The biggest shock from each set of WWE releases this year
So far, WWE has released a lot of talent this year, some of whom were former champions or top prospects.
There have been five groups of talent releases this year, with the most recent occurring on November 4th. A large number of releases has caused quite a stir in the wrestling world.
Here's a list of the biggest shock from every set of releases.
#5. WWE releases Samoa Joe/Mickie James
SAMOA JOE HAS DONE IT!
@SamoaJoe is now a THREE-TIME #WWENXT Champion!
#AndNew
#NXTTakeOver https://t.co/WgKFHCSMJg
We start the list with a tie. Both Samoa Joe and Mickie James have had similar careers. Both are storied veterans who experienced great success outside WWE, and both seemed like they were going to see out the rest of their careers in WWE.
But, both were suddenly released from Vince McMahon's company on 15th April during the customary post-WrestleMania talent releases. Both releases caused so much confusion that WWE ended up re-signing Samoa Joe, although they'd firmly burnt their bridges with Micke James.
#4. Velveteen Dream is released by WWE
Top WWE Star Reportedly Alerted Management To Velveteen Dream Incident That Led To Release
@WWE #velveteendream https://t.co/Pean0IKWQH
The next set of WWE releases took place on 19th May with a few notable names like referee Drake Wuertz, former SAnitY member Alexander Wolfem and Jessamyn Duke.
But perhaps the most surprising name was Velveteen Dream. The former NXT North American Champion was virtually guaranteed to be a huge star following his debut and subsequent impressive appearances, but backstage controversy saw him spurn his immense talent and charisma.
Admittedly, his release is less shocking than the others given his behavior outside the ring, but what makes his release shocking is the amount of talent he had.
#3. Braun Strowman released by WWE
5 years ago today in WWE:
When Cesaro, Sami Zayn, Neville, and Sheamus hit their trademark strikes and finishers to get Braun Strowman out the ring. Therefore, he wasn’t eliminated on #WWERaw https://t.co/wkOLvKGVxM
The 2nd June releases were the most shocking. No one was expecting a third set of releases, and many top stars were let go.
Buddy Murphy, Aleister Black, Lana, and Ruby Riott were all surprising, but the biggest shock was the letting go of Braun Strowman, a former Universal Champion.