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List Of WWE Releases and Departures In 2019
Every year a number of WWE stars leave the company for various reasons, including contract expiry, firing, or requested releases.
Throughout 2019 a number of WWE talent left the company. Some of the biggest names on this list found new homes at All Elite Wrestling, which is now the biggest alternative to WWE.
While some stars found greener pastures elsewhere, some left the business all together. Let’s take a look at every WWE Superstar who was either released, fired, or left due to contract expiry.
Hideo Itami (KENTA)
At the end of January, Hideo Itami asked WWE for his release, following a five-year run with the company. On February 22, Itami was officially released by WWE.
Hideo Itami reverted back to his original in-ring name KENTA, and returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Tye Dillinger (Shawn Spears)
In late 2018, Tye Dillinger suffered a hand injury, which kept him out of action for several months. He returned to in-ring competition at a WWE live event in February 2019. On 2/19, Dillinger announced on Twitter that he requested his release from WWE. On 2/22, WWE granted his release.
Dillinger returned to the independent scene in June of 2019 under his former ring name Shawn Spears. On 5/25, Spears made his All Elite Wrestling debut, competing in the Casino Battle Royale at the company’s inaugural PPV, Double Or Nothing.
TJP (T.J. Perkins)
T.J. Perkins signed with WWE in 2016 after he won the inaugural Cruiserweight Classic Tournament, winning the WWE Cruiserweight title. Perkins was a mainstay on WWE’s 205 Live programming until February 2019. On 2/22, Perkins was released from his WWE contract.
Following his departure from WWE, Perkins worked for various independent promotions, as well as having bouts in IMPACT Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Jim Ross
In 2017, Jim Ross returned to WWE, signing a two-year deal with the company. Although under contract, Ross would make limited appearances for the company. On 3/27, Ross opted to not re-sign with WWE, and left the company.
On 4/3, Jim Ross signed a two-year deal with All Elite Wrestling.
Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley)
WWE lost one of their biggest stars in 2019 when Dean Ambrose decided not to re-sign with the company. At the end of January, Ambrose gave WWE his notice and stated he would not sign a new contract with the company when his current deal expired at the end of April.
Ambrose worked his last match on 4/21 during a special event titled The Shield’s Final Chapter. His contract expired on 4/30.
Shortly after leaving WWE, Ambrose signed a deal with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and worked various independent organizations under his former persona Jon Moxley. Moxley then signed a full-time deal with All Elite Wrestling, making a surprise appearance at the company’s inaugural PPV Double Or Nothing.
Arn Anderson
Following a long tenure with WWE as backstage producer, Arn Anderson was fired from the company. Initial reports emerged on 2/22 indicating Anderson was let go following an incident that occurred at a WWE Live event on 2/10. Anderson reportedly allowed an intoxicated Alicia Fox wrestle a match, which caused him to be terminated from the company.
Anderson signed a non-disclosure agreement which didn’t allow him to provide details on his release.
Goldust (Dustin Runnels)
WWE lost one of their longest tenured talent when Goldust decided to leave the company after his contract expired. Goldust confirmed his departure with WWE on 4/21/19.
Following his exit from WWE, Goldust joined All Elite Wrestling under his former name Dustin Rhodes. He faced his real life half-brother Cody at the Double Or Nothing pay-per-view.
Dean Malenko
On 4/26, Dean Malenko left WWE after 18 years with the company. Malenko’s departure came following WWE hiring numerous new agents for backstage roles.
On 5/25, All Elite Wrestling announced that Malenko had signed with the company as a senior producer.
Rhyno
On 7/17, Rhyno’s WWE contract expired, and he chose not to re-sign with the company. In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Rhyno revealed he turned down an offer for more than double his current downside guarantee.
Despite still being under contract with WWE, Rhyno showed up at Impact Bound For Glory on 7/7 under a mask. WWE reportedly did not have an issue with him appearing under a mask.
Eric Bischoff
In July, WWE announced the signing of Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff, serving as Executive Director’s of RAW and SmackDown.
Bischoff was let go from the company in October, being replaced by Bruce Prichard. Reasoning behind his release was not provided, but Bischoff did state his role didn’t work out in a way Vince McMahon wanted.
Jordan Myles (ACH)
Jordan Myles aka ACH was released from his WWE contract on 11/21. ACH has been very vocal about his negative feelings towards WWE following a controversial t-shirt design.
Hardie posted video, stating that he quit WWE, explaining refused to “work for racists”, and that the name Jordan Myles was a “slave name” he no longer wished to be known as.
ACH was booked for a handful of independent appearances, as well as working a television taping for MLW. On 12/7, ACH stated he quit wrestling all together.
The Ascension
On 12/8, WWE released several members of the roster including The Ascension. Their release was given after being inactive on the roster for several months.
The Ascension last worked WWE Main Event on 4/8, and have not been used since.
They currently hold the longest consecutive reign as NXT Tag Team Champions at 364-days.
Sin Cara (Cinta de Ora)
On 11/11, Sin Cara requested his release from WWE, stating he felt under valued in the promotion, and wanted to continue his career elsewhere.
On 12/8, Sin Cara was officially granted his release from WWE, and given a 90-day no compete clause, which expires on 3/7/2020.
Despite still being under a no-compete clause, Sin Cara has appeared for AAA.
On 12/16, Sin Cara announced he will be using the name Cinta de Ora going forward. The name was originally used by one of Sin Cara’s mentors, and he was given the blessing of his children to revive the name. The original Cinta de Ora passed away in 2016.
Luke Harper (Brodie Lee)
On 12/8, Luke Harper was granted his release from WWE after requesting it several months earlier.
Harper publicly announced for his release on 4/16, but was refused to be let go of his contract.
Harper’s contract is set to expire in November, but the company extended it six months due to time missed during injury. He met with Vince McMahon, and asked if he could be released in November, since they have no plans on using him. Vince advised Harper to take it up with Triple H, who then did not respond to him.
Harper made a brief return to WWE, teaming with Eric Rowan, and performing at WWE live events.
Prior to being released from WWE, Harper trademarked his former ring name Brodie Lee.
Dasha Fuentes (Dasha Gonzalez)
On 4/9, Dasha Fuentes was released she “botched” an interview with Roman Reigns on Monday Night RAW.
In October, Dasha made her All Elite Wrestling debut, serving as a Spanish commentator for AEW Dark.
Dasha is now serving as a permanent co-host with Tony Schiavone on AEW Dark.
Nasser Alruwayeh
In April, reports surfaced that Nasser Alruwayeh was released from WWE. Alruwayeh signed with WWE in 2017, being touted as the first person from Kuwait signed by the company.
In May, Nasser took to Instagram indicating he asked for his release to pursue his goals in crossfit.
Shadia Bseiso
In April 2017, Shadia Bseiso took part in an open-tryout session in Dubai. Later that year she became the first Arab women signed to a WWE contract.
Despite being signed as an in-ring performer, Bseiso was mainly used as an Arabic language host on WWE Middle Eastern programming.
In April, Shadia was released from the company.
Ricardo Miller
In February, former University of Michigan Football player Ricardo Miller reported to WWE’s Performance Center in Orlando, FL.
After a month at the Performance Center, Miller requested his release from the company.
Stacey Ervin Jr.
In early 2018, Stacey Ervin Jr. signed a deal a developmental contract with WWE. During his short tenure with the company, Ervin worked several NXT live events, and one televised episode of NXT on the WWE Network.
In April, Ervin confirmed he left the company to pursue other career options.
Percy Watson
Percy Watson signed with WWE in 2009, working under a developmental contract under the Florida Championship Wrestling territory.
Watson worked as an in-ring performer for the company until May 2013. He worked one independent match in 2014, then retired as an in-ring performer.
In 2016, Watson re-joined the WWE as a commentator. He worked for various programming including NXT, WWE Main Event, and 205 Live.
In May, Percy left the company to pursue outside interests.