Release date |
Real Name |
Ring Name(s) |
Notes |
Reference |
1990 |
Roger Barnes |
Ronnie Garvin |
Released From Contract |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
Allen Coage |
Bad News Brown |
Left due to claims that Vince McMahon failed to live up to promises. |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
Bill Eadie |
Ax, Super Machine |
Health problems. |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
George Gray |
One Man Gang, Akeem |
Went to WCW |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
Hector Guerrero |
Gobbledygooker |
Unknown |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
James Janos |
Jesse Ventura |
Left to pursue other interests. |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
Al Perez |
Al Perez |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
1990 |
Juanita Wright |
Sapphire |
Storyline ended, was no longer needed |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Brady Boone |
Battle Kat, Brady Boone |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Nick Busick |
Big Bully Busick |
Retired from wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Anthony White |
Tony Atlas, Saba Simba |
Went to WCW |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Paul Centopani |
Paul Roma |
Went To WCW |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Carly Colón, Sr. |
Carlos Colón |
Retired from wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Jim Barrell |
Boris Zhukov |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Pete Doherty |
The Duke of Dorchester |
|
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Rick Harris |
Black Bart |
|
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Genichiro Tenryu |
Tenryu |
|
[citation needed] |
1991 |
Koji Kitao |
Kitao |
|
[citation needed] |
1991 |
André Rousimoff |
André the Giant, The Giant Machine |
Retired because he was too ill to continue wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
1991 |
John Tolos |
The Coach |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Kerry Adkisson |
Texas Tornado, Kerry Von Erich |
Fired after failing random drug test. |
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Ray Fernandez |
Hercules, Hercules Hernandez |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Elizabeth Hulette |
Miss Elizabeth |
Left the WWF shortly after her divorce from Randy Savage. |
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Adnan El Kassey |
General Adnan, Billy White Wolf |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Andy Kindler |
Jamison |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Mike McGuirk |
Mike McGuirk |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
James Reiher |
"Superfly" Jimmy Snuka |
Went to ECW |
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Terry Szopinski |
The Warlord |
|
[citation needed] |
1992 |
Pat Tanaka |
Tanaka |
Left for ECW |
[citation needed] |
1992 |
John Wisniski, Jr. |
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine |
|
[citation needed] |
January 1992 |
Adolfo Bresciano |
Dino Bravo |
Retired from wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
December 1992 |
Kevin Wacholz |
Nailz |
Reportedly released after he attacked Vince McMahon over a dispute over money. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Charles Ashenoff |
Max Moon |
Konnan left the WWF following a disagreement with WWF owner Vince McMahon, believing that he was being discriminated against and resenting McMahon's refusal to give him a guaranteed contract |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Rob Bartlett |
Rob Bartlett |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Wayne Bloom |
Beau Beverly |
Later Went WCW |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Tom Boric |
Paul Diamond, Kato, Max Moon |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
James Brunzell |
"Jumpin'" Jim Brunzell |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Barry Darsow |
Smash, Repo Man |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Mike Enos |
Blake Beverly |
Later Went To WCW |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Jorge Gonzáles |
Giant Gonzales |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Jimmy Hart |
Jimmy Hart |
Left after McMahon wanted him to take a 50% pay cut. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Raymond Heenan |
Bobby Heenan |
Left after McMahon wanted him to take a 50% pay cut. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Steve James |
Lance Cassidy |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Ken Johnson |
Slick, Reverend Slick |
Left to concentrate on preaching in his church. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Ed Leslie |
Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake |
Left to go to WCW. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Sean Mooney |
Sean Mooney |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
John Nord |
The Berzerker, The Viking |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Matt Osborne |
Doink the Clown (#1), Matt Borne |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Lanny Poffo |
The Genius, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Sherri Russell |
"Sensational" Sherri Martel |
Failed Drug Test |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Jerome Saganovich |
Jerry Sags |
Left with partner for WCW. |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Merced Solis |
Tito Santana, El Matador |
Went to ECW |
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Phil Theis |
Damien Demento |
|
[citation needed] |
1993 |
Brian Yandrisovitz |
Brian Knobbs |
Left with partner for WCW. |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Tony Halme |
Ludvig Borga |
Retired due to injury |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Jim Harris |
Kamala |
|
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Bruce Hart |
Bruce Hart |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Keith Hart |
Keith Hart |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Heidi Lee Morgan |
Heidi Lee Morgan |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Fred Ottman |
Typhoon, Tugboat |
|
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Robert Rechsteiner |
Rick Steiner |
Left after Vince didn't follow through with his promises. |
[citation needed] |
1994 |
Joey Marella |
Joey Marella |
Died after he fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and crashed. |
[6] |
1994 |
Mike Shaw |
Bastion Booger, Friar Ferguson |
|
[citation needed] |
1994 |
James Ware |
Koko B. Ware |
|
[citation needed] |
November 1994 |
Randy Poffo |
"Macho Man" Randy Savage |
Left to go to WCW |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Afa Anoa'i |
Afa |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Samula Anoa'i |
Samu |
Left due to excessive travel schedule. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Lou Albano |
"Captain" Lou Albano |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Scott Bigelow |
Bam Bam Bigelow |
Left due to problems with the Clique. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Jeff Bradley |
Charlie Hunter |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Steve Doll |
Steven Dunn |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Claude Giroux |
Dink, Tiger Jackson |
Released From Contract |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Alfred Hayes |
Lord Alfred Hayes |
Left after getting in a car accident which resulted in him contracting gangrene and being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Robert Horne |
Mo |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Mike Jones |
Virgil |
Later Went to WCW |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Stan Lane |
Stan Lane |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Ray Liccachelli |
Doink the Clown (#2) |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Dan Marsh |
Dan Marsh, Danny Davis |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Troy Martin |
Dean Douglas, Shane Douglas |
Quit after backstage problems with The Clique. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Debra Miceli |
Alundra Blayze |
Released after talking to WCW under contract. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Chris Pallies |
King Kong Bundy |
Left after feeling his return wasn't as successful as his first WWF run. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Josip Peruzović |
Nikolai Volkoff |
Went into semi-retirement. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Darryl Peterson |
Man Mountain Rock, Maxx Payne |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
James Richland |
Jimmy Del Ray |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Gary Sabaugh |
The Italian Stallion |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Akio Sato |
Sato, Shinja |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Joe Scarpa |
Chief Jay Strongbow |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Dan Spivey |
Waylon Mercy, Danny Spivey |
Retired after being injured in a match with Kevin Nash. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Jack Tunney |
Jack Tunney |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Sione Vailahi |
The Barbarian, Sionne |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Richard Vigneault |
"The Model" Rick Martel |
|
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Bill Watts |
Bill Watts |
Had many conflicts with Vince McMahon. |
[citation needed] |
1995 |
Timothy A. Smith |
Timothy Well |
|
[citation needed] |
September 1, 1995 |
Lawrence Pfohl |
Lex Luger, The Narcissist |
Signed with WCW, breaking his promise to Vince McMahon that he would stay. |
[citation needed] |
January 1996 |
William Ansor |
Buddy Landel |
Left after an injury sustained in a match with Bret Hart. |
date=October 2007 |
1996 |
Chris Candido |
Skip |
Didn't like his gimmick. He quit. |
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Wayne Cowan |
Uncle Zebekiah |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Mike Droese |
Duke "The Dumpster" Droese |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Chad Fortune |
Travis |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Harry Fujiwara |
Mr. Fuji |
Left due to excessive travel schedule and knee problems. |
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Terry Gordy |
Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy, The Executioner |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Robert Miller |
Bushwhacker Butch |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Louis Mucciolo |
Rad Radford, Louie Spicolli |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Kensuke Shinzaki |
Hakushi |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Jim Hellwig |
The Ultimate Warrior |
Contract was terminated after several no-shows. |
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Erik Watts |
Troy |
|
[citation needed] |
1996 |
Brian Wickens |
Bushwhacker Luke |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Tony Anthony |
TL Hopper, Uncle Cletus |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Robert Bedard |
Rene Goulet |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Scott Bednarski |
Scott Putski |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Rick Bogner |
Fake Razor Ramon |
Gimmick failed. |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Jamie Crookshanks |
J.C. Ice |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Sid Eudy |
Sycho Sid, Sid Justice |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Roy Wayne Farris |
The Honky Tonk Man |
Released after mutual agreement with the WWF. Wanted to pursue Indy bookings. |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Doug Furnas |
Doug Furnas |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
James Hines |
Bobby Fulton |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Barry Horowitz |
Barry Horowitz |
Contract Expired |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Barney Irwin |
The Goon |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Phil Lafleur |
Phil Lafon |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Herman Stevens |
Clarence Mason |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Masanori Murakawa |
The Great Sasuke |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Todd Pettengill |
Todd Pettengill |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Alex Porteau |
Alex "The Pug" Porteau |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Aurelian Smith, Jr. |
Jake "The Snake" Roberts |
Released after failing drug tests. |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Richard Rood |
"Ravishing" Rick Rude |
Left for WCW. |
[citation needed] |
1997 |
* Unknown |
The Commandant |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Khosrow Vaziri |
Iron Sheik, Col. Mustafa |
|
[citation needed] |
1997 |
Kelly Wolfe |
Wolfie D |
|
[citation needed] |
January 1997 |
Guadalupe Robledo |
Jose Lothario |
|
[citation needed] |
October 1997 |
Brian Pillman |
Brian Pillman |
A previously undetected heart condition led to his death. |
[7] |
November 1997 |
Bret Hart |
Bret "The Hitman" Hart |
Left after the incident at Survivor Series 1997 known as the Montreal Screwjob. |
[8] |
December 1997 |
Jim Neidhart |
Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart, Who |
Left WWF a month after the Montreal Screwjob. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Achim Albrecht |
Brakkus |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Rodney Anoa'i |
Yokozuna |
He was unable to pass a physical required for professional wrestlers and was released. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Tom Brandi |
Salvatore Sincere, Tom Brandi |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Joseph Bruce |
Violent J |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Don Callis |
The Jackyl |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Robert Fuller |
Tennessee Lee |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Mike Hallick |
Mantaur, Tank |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Michael Hegstrand |
Hawk |
Left after a strong dislike to his current storyline. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Brian Lee |
Chainz, (Evil) Undertaker |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Pablo Marquez |
Babu |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Anthony Norris |
Ahmed Johnson |
Released after his wrestling style had begun to cause injury to his opponents. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Takeo Otsuka |
Mens Teioh |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Luc Poirier |
Sniper |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Juan Rivera |
Savio Vega, Kwang |
Released from his contract. |
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Shigeki Sato |
Dick Togo |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Joseph Utsler |
Shaggy 2 Dope |
|
[citation needed] |
1998 |
Wally Yamaguchi |
Yamaguchi-San |
|
[citation needed] |
May 1998 |
Tammy Lynn Sytch |
Sunny, Tamara Murphy |
Left the WWF for ECW. |
[citation needed] |
July 1998 |
Ricky Morton |
Ricky Morton |
|
[citation needed] |
August 1998 |
Del Wilkes |
The Patriot |
|
[citation needed] |
September 1998 |
Shian-Li Tsang |
Mrs. Yamaguchi-San |
|
[citation needed] |
October 1998 |
Jesus Castillo, Jr. |
Jesus Castillo |
|
[citation needed] |
October 1998 |
Jose Estrada, Jr. |
Jose Estrada, Jr. |
|
[citation needed] |
October 1998 |
Miguel Pérez, Jr. |
Miguel Perez |
|
[citation needed] |
October 25, 1998 |
Leon White |
Vader |
Left after contract expired. |
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Christopher Daniels |
Conquistador Dos |
|
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Michael Durham |
Johnny Grunge |
|
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Paul Ellering |
Paul Ellering |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
1999 |
James Myers |
George "The Animal" Steele |
Left For WCW |
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Ted Petty |
"Flyboy" Rocco Rock |
|
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Mike Polchlopek |
Bart Gunn, Bodacious Bart |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
1999 |
Alicia Webb |
Ryan Shamrock |
Left For WCW |
[citation needed] |
February 1999 |
John Tenta |
Earthquake, Golga |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
April 1999 |
Don Harris |
Don Harris, Jared Grimm, Jacob Blu, 8-Ball |
Released from his contract. |
[citation needed] |
April 1999 |
Ron Harris |
Ron Harris, Jason Grimm, Eli Blu, Skull |
Released from his contract. |
[citation needed] |
April 1999 |
Dan Severn |
Dan "The Beast" Severn |
Left after contract expired. |
[citation needed] |
May 1999 |
Marc Mero |
Marc Mero |
Budget Cut. |
[citation needed] |
May 23, 1999 |
Owen Hart |
Owen Hart, The Blue Blazer |
Fell to his death while being lowered to the ring from the catwalk of the Kemper Arena |
[9] |
July 19, 1999 |
Nicole Bass |
Nicole Bass |
Left after claiming she was sexually harassed. |
[citation needed] |
September 1999 |
Marianna Komlos |
Marianna, Mrs. Cleavage |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
September 1999 |
Paulo da Silva |
Giant Silva |
Released from contract |
[citation needed] |
October 5, 1999 |
Vince Russo |
Vince Russo |
Left after having a falling out with Vince McMahon over the increased workload placed upon him. |
[citation needed] |
October 6, 1999 |
Robert Marella |
Gorilla Monsoon |
Died of heart failure after being ill. He was given lifetime employment. |
[10] |
October 16, 1999 |
Jeff Jarrett |
Jeff Jarrett |
Contract expired. Mr. McMahon forgot to renew it. |
[citation needed] |
November 1999 |
Robert Maillet |
Kurrgan, The Interrogator |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
November 1999 |
Ken Shamrock |
Ken Shamrock |
Left to resume his MMA career. |
[citation needed] |
Release date |
Real Name |
Ring Name(s) |
Notes |
Reference |
2000 |
Bob Backlund |
Bob Backlund |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
2000 |
Rebecca Budig |
Rebecca Budig |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
2000 |
Duane Gill |
Gillberg |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
2000 |
Glen Ruth |
Thrasher |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
2000 |
Jason Traverse |
Jason Sensation |
|
[citation needed] |
2000 |
Malia Hosaka |
None |
Since she was instantly recognized from her WCW appearances the “Rocky Balboa” idea for Malia fell and she was released due to an internal lack of character idea development. |
January 2000 |
Carl Ouellet |
Jean Pierre LaFitte/Pierre |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
January 2000 |
Jacques Rougeau |
The Mountie |
|
[citation needed] |
February 2000 |
Gertrude Vachon |
Luna Vachon |
Released from her contract due to allegedly taping the mouth of a producer shut. |
[citation needed] |
March 2000 |
Curtis Hughes |
Mr. Hughes |
Wasn't needed anymore. |
[citation needed] |
May 30, 2000 |
David Smith |
The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith |
Had prescription drug problems. |
[citation needed] |
June 2000 |
Cathy Dingman |
Barbara Bush (B.B.) |
Left For WCW |
[citation needed] |
July 2000 |
Vic Grimes |
Key |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
September 2000 |
Caryn Mower |
Muffy Mower |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
October 2000 |
Dennis Knight |
Mideon, Phineas I. Godwinn, Dennis Knight |
Released on Good Terms |
[citation needed] |
November 3, 2000 |
Frostee Moore |
Mandy |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
December 2000 |
Brian Gerard James |
Road Dogg, Jesse James, Roadie |
Released after showing up for a Raw show in an "unfit work state" due to drug use. |
[citation needed] |
December 2000 |
Cynthia Lynch |
Bobcat |
Released from her contract. |
[citation needed] |
2001 |
Sara Calaway |
Sara |
Storyline ended; made brief appearances for WWE later. |
[citation needed] |
2001 |
Jim Dotson |
Jim Dotson |
Left to pursue other interest. |
[citation needed] |
February 27, 2001 |
Stacy Carter |
The Kat, Miss Kitty |
Released for behavior problems backstage. |
[11] |
June 2001 |
Jason Arhndt |
Joey Abs |
Released from contract. Later retired. |
[citation needed] |
June 2001 |
Peter Gasperino |
Pete Gas |
Released from contract. Later retired. |
[citation needed] |
June 2001 |
Rodney Leinhardt |
Rodney |
Released from contract. Later retired. |
[citation needed] |
July 2001 |
Joseph Hitchen |
Just Joe |
|
[citation needed] |
July 9, 2001 |
Marcus Bagwell |
Buff Bagwell |
Released for unprofessional conduct. |
[citation needed] |
August 2001 |
Charles Warrington |
Chaz, Mosh, Beaver Cleavage |
Released from his contract. |
[citation needed] |
September 2001 |
Terri Poch |
Tori |
Was asked to train more but refused and was released. |
[citation needed] |
September 2001 |
Jesús Guadalupe Delgado Seldaña |
Essa Rios |
Rumors say he refused to speak English. |
[citation needed] |
September 24, 2001 |
Brian Adams |
Brian Adams, Crush |
Left WWF when he was asked to go to a developmental territory. |
[citation needed] |
September 24, 2001 |
Bryan Clark |
Bryan Clark, Adam Bomb |
Left WWF when he was asked to go to a developmental territory. |
[citation needed] |
November 30, 2001 |
Joanie Laurer |
Chyna |
Laurer sat out her contract after negotiations stalled around May 2001; her WWF contract ended November of that year. |
[citation needed] |
2002 |
Raymond Rougeau |
Raymond Rougeau |
Left when they stopped producing French programming. |
[citation needed] |
2002 |
Billy Silverman |
Billy Silverman |
Asked for release due to constant hazing. |
[citation needed] |
April 2002 |
Takao Yoshida |
Taka Michinoku |
Left to go back to Japan after a serious shoulder injury. |
[citation needed] |
Release date |
Real Name |
Ring Name(s) |
Notes |
Reference |
2002 |
Jerry Lynn |
Jerry Lynn |
Released. Went To TNA. |
[citation needed] |
2002 |
Tonga Fifita |
Haku |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
May 7, 2002 |
Scott Hall |
Scott Hall, Razor Ramon |
Released for obscene behavior on a plane trip and for drug and alcohol related issues. |
[citation needed] |
May 8, 2002 |
Curt Hennig |
Mr. Perfect, Curt Hennig |
Released after reportedly becoming intoxicated and getting into a fight with Brock Lesnar on a return flight from the United Kingdom. |
[citation needed] |
July 2002 |
Gurjit Singh |
Tiger Ali Singh |
Released after a career-ending injury. Then attempted to sue the WWE. |
[citation needed] |
August 25, 2002 |
Sean Waltman |
X-Pac, 1-2-3 Kid, The Kid |
Left WWE in a mutual decision. |
[citation needed] |
September 7, 2002 |
Michael Alfonso |
Mike Awesome |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
September 27, 2002 |
Sean Stipich |
Shawn Stasiak, Meat, Planet Stasiak |
Was fired after gimmick failed. |
[citation needed] |
October 2002 |
Steve Blackman |
Steve Blackman |
Retired due to injury. |
[citation needed] |
October 2002 |
David Fliehr |
David Flair |
Released from developmental contract. |
[citation needed] |
November 24, 2002 |
Page Falkinburg |
Diamond Dallas Page |
Left after a neck injury suffered in a match with Hardcore Holly. |
[citation needed] |
November 24, 2002 |
Perry Satullo |
Perry Saturn |
Retore his ACL in April. Was released before he could return. |
[citation needed] |
December 5, 2002 |
Charles Wright |
The Godfather, The Goodfather, Kama Mustafa, Kama, Papa Shango |
Retired Still Makes Appearances |
[citation needed] |
2003 |
Ray Traylor |
Big Boss Man, The Bossman |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
January 2003 |
Barry Buchanan |
Bull Buchanan, Recon, B-2 |
Released from contract. |
[citation needed] |
January 2003 |
Scott Levy |
Raven, Johnny Polo |
Left after a contract dispute. |
[citation needed] |
March 2003 |
Kevin Kelly |
Kevin Kelly |
Left to pursue other ventures. |
[citation needed] |
March 2003 |
Debra Marshall |
Debra |
Walked from WWE in 2002 following Stone Cold Steve Austin's departure, WWE did not announce this until 2003. |
[citation needed] |
April 2003 |
Eric Angle |
Eric Angle |
Released from developmental contract. |
[citation needed] |
May 2003 |
Wayde Bowles |
Rocky Johnson |
Released as a trainer for Ohio Valley Wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
June 2003 |
Terry Taylor |
Terry Taylor, Red Rooster |
Released after problems with other employees. |
[citation needed] |
July 2003 |
Terry Bollea |
Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hogan, Mr. America |
Contract expired. Left to star in both TV and movies. |
[citation needed] |
July 1, 2003 |
Mike Lockwood |
Crash Holly, Crash |
Released on suspicion that he was using drugs. |
[citation needed] |
December 6, 2003 |
Nathan Jones |
Nathan Jones |
Requested release due to heavy travel schedule. |
[citation needed] |
Release date |
Real Name |
Ring Name(s) |
Notes |
Reference |
January 3, 2004 |
Kevin Nash |
Kevin Nash, Diesel |
Released from his contract. Went to TNA. |
[citation needed] |
February 4, 2004 |
Zach Gowen |
Zach Gowen |
Released due to alleged attitude problems. |
[citation needed] |
February 9, 2004 |
Chris Klucsaritis |
Chris Kanyon |
Kanyon claims that he was released because he is a homosexual. |
[citation needed] |
February 12, 2004 |
Ernest Miller |
Ernest "The Cat" Miller |
Retired |
[citation needed] |
February 12, 2004 |
Desmond Thompson |
Lamont |
Was released when Ernest Miller retired |
[citation needed] |
March 15, 2004 |
Bill Goldberg |
Goldberg |
Contract expired, declined to re-sign. |
[citation needed] |
March 15, 2004 |
Brock Lesnar |
Brock Lesnar |
Left to pursue career in the National Football League. |
[citation needed] |
April 3, 2004 |
Sean O'Haire |
Sean O'Haire |
Released because the WWE did not approve of his fighting style. He was sent back to OVW but was later released. |
[citation needed] |
April 3, 2004 |
Terri Runnels |
Terri Runnels, Marlena |
Released due to budget cuts. She also claims it was time for her to retire. |
[citation needed] |
April 15, 2004 |
Yoshihiro Asai |
Ultimo Dragon |
Asked for release to go back to Japan. |
[citation needed] |
June 2004 |
Rue DeBona |
Rue DeBona |
Asked for release. |
[citation needed] |
June 2004 |
Brian Lawler |
Grandmaster Sexay, Brian Christopher |
Released for allegedly using muscle relaxers. |
[citation needed] |
June 2004 |
Jacqueline Moore |
Jacqueline, Ms. Jackie Moore |
Released due to budget cuts. Went to TNA. |
[citation needed] |
June 15, 2004 |
Chavo Guerrero |
Chavo Guerrero Sr., Chavo Classic |
Released for no-showing a SmackDown! house show two days earlier. |
[citation needed] |
July 17, 2004 |
Solofa Fatu |
Rikishi, The Sultan, Fatu |
Released after refusing to lose weight. |
[citation needed] |
August 5, 2004 |
Ryan Sakoda |
Sakoda |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
August 10, 2004 |
Rena Mero |
Sable |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
August 17 2004 |
Scott Rechsteiner |
Scott Steiner |
He & WWE agreed on his release.Went to TNA |
[citation needed] |
October 26, 2004 |
Carmella DeCesare |
Carmella DeCesare |
Was no longer needed and released. |
[citation needed] |
November 1, 2004 |
Matthew Bloom |
A-Train, Albert, Prince Albert |
Budget cut; released while he was injured with a torn rotator cuff. |
[citation needed] |
November 1, 2004 |
Monty Sopp |
Billy Gunn, Mr. Ass, Billy G, RockaBilly |
Left after contract expired. |
[citation needed] |
November 2, 2004 |
Rico Constantino |
Rico |
Budget Cut; Retired from wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
November 3, 2004 |
Nidia Guenard |
Nidia |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
November 3, 2004 |
Gail Kim |
Gail Kim |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
November 4, 2004 |
John Hugger |
Johnny Stamboli |
Budget Cut |
[citation needed] |
November 12, 2004 |
Linda Miles |
Linda Miles, Shaniqua |
Released because of attitude problems. |
[citation needed] |
December 31, 2004 |
Dwayne Johnson |
The Rock, Rocky Maivia |
Retired from wrestling to focus on his movie career. |
[citation needed] |
February 2005 |
Amy Weber |
Amy Weber |
Left after hazing from Randy Orton. |
[citation needed] |
March 2005 |
Rochelle Loewen |
Rochelle Loewen |
Left because she felt she wasn't getting enough exposure. |
[citation needed] |
April 11, 2005 |
Terry Gerin |
Rhyno |
Released for having a rather public argument with his wife in a hotel foyer, breaking a vase in the process. |
[citation needed] |
April 11, 2005 |
William Moody |
Paul Bearer |
Contract was terminated. |
[citation needed] |
April 12, 2005 |
Nora Greenwald |
Molly Holly, Mighty Molly |
Requested release for personal reasons. |
[12][13] |
April 12, 2005 |
Aaron Aguilera |
Jesús Aguilera, Jesús, Uno |
Released from developmental contract. |
[citation needed] |
April 18, 2005 |
Lance Evers |
Lance Storm |
Asked for his release due to the condition of his back. |
[citation needed] |
May 11, 2005 |
Matt Wiese |
Luther Reigns |
Was released on good terms with Vince McMahon. |
[citation needed] |
June 2005 |
Lauren Jones |
Lauren Jones |
Left to star in movies and TV shows, considers coming back. |
[citation needed] |
June 30, 2005 |
Marc Lloyd |
Marc Lloyd |
One of the first releases in WWE's major budget cuts in late June/July 2005. |
[citation needed] |
July 5, 2005 |
Maven Huffman |
Maven |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 5, 2005 |
Matt Hyson |
Spike Dudley |
WWE decided not to renew his contract. Believed to be a cost-cutting measure by WWE. |
[14] |
July 5, 2005 |
Peter Gruner |
Billy Kidman, Kidman |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 5, 2005 |
Mark Jindrak |
Mark Jindrak |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Jackie Gayda |
Miss Jackie |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Joy Giovanni |
Joy Giovanni |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Devon Hughes |
D-Von Dudley, Reverend D-Von |
WWE decided not to renew his contract. |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Mark LoMonaco |
Bubba Ray Dudley, Buh Buh Ray Dudley |
WWE decided not to renew his contract. |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Matt Morgan |
Matt Morgan |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Dawn Marie Psaltis |
Dawn Marie |
Budget Cut; she was pregnant at the time. |
[14][15] |
July 6, 2005 |
Hiroko Suzuki |
Hiroko |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 6, 2005 |
Kenzo Suzuki |
Kenzo Suzuki |
Budget Cut |
[14] |
July 8, 2005 |
Jim Cornette |
Jim Cornette |
Released after many backstage confrontations at OVW. |
[14] |
July 18, 2005 |
Earl Hebner |
Earl Hebner |
Released for selling WWE merchandise without permission. |
[citation needed] |
July 19, 2005 |
Dave Hebner |
Dave Hebner |
Released in connection with Earl Hebner incident. |
[citation needed] |
July 22, 2005 |
Lisa Moretti |
Ivory |
WWE refused to renew her contract. |
[citation needed] |
July 25, 2005 |
Brian Heffron |
The Blue Meanie |
Short-term contract expired |
[citation needed] |
August 13, 2005 |
Frankie Kazarian |
"The Future" Frankie Kazarian |
Asked for his release after WWE wanted him to cut his hair. |
[citation needed] |
September 11, 2005 |
Daniel Puder |
Daniel Puder |
Budget Cut; offered a lower salary but refused. |
[citation needed] |
September 21, 2005 |
Mark Copani |
Muhammad Hassan |
Taken off TV at request of UPN over an angle. Quit shortly thereafter. |
[16] |
October 29, 2005 |
Brian Hebner |
Brian Hebner |
Released, shortly after his father Earl Hebner and uncle Dave Hebner, for behavior problems. |
[citation needed] |
October 31, 2005 |
Jason Reso |
Christian |
Contract expired. Decided to join TNA |
[citation needed] |
December 5, 2005 |
Christy Hemme |
Christy Hemme |
Budget Cut |
[17] |
December 8, 2005 |
Yoshihiro Tajiri |
Tajiri |
Asked for his release so he could go back to Japan. |
[18] |
Release date |
Real Name |
Ring Name(s) |
Notes |
Reference |
2006 |
Terry Funk |
Terry Funk, Chainsaw Charlie |
Was injured at One Night Stand and advised not to return. |
[citation needed] |
January 2006 |
Elisabeth Rouffaer |
Elisabeth Rouffaer |
Left WWE because she didn't feel like wrestling was the right job for her. |
[citation needed] |
January 6, 2006 |
Eduardo Aníbal González Hernández |
Juventud Guerrera, Juventud |
Released for poor behavior backstage and using the illegal move the 450 splash |
[citation needed] |
January 17, 2006 |
Jon Heidenreich |
Heidenreich |
Released by WWE after taking time off for ear infection. |
[citation needed] |
February 2006 |
Thea Vidale |
Momma Benjamin |
She was no longer needed. |
[citation needed] |
February 10, 2006 |
Tom Matera |
Antonio |
Was released along with his tag partner Romeo. |
[19] |
February 10, 2006 |
John Roselli |
Romeo |
Was released along with his tag partner Antonio. |
[19] |
February 13, 2006 |
"Cowboy" Bob Orton |
"Cowboy" Bob Orton |
Was no longer needed. |
[20] |
February 22, 2006 |
John Toland |
James Dick |
Released due to alleged backstage incident with his tag team partner. |
[citation needed] |
February 22, 2006 |
Chad Wicks |
Chad Dick |
Released due to alleged backstage incident with his tag team partner. |
[citation needed] |
March 9, 2006 |
José Alvarado Nieves |
Super Porky |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 9, 2006 |
Unknown |
Octagoncito |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 9, 2006 |
Unknown |
Piratita Morgan |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 9, 2006 |
Unknown |
Tsuki |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 9, 2006 |
Mascarita Sagrada |
Mascarita Sagrada, Max Mini |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 9, 2006 |
Unknown |
Pequeño Violencia |
Was released with entire Juniors Division. |
[21] |
March 21, 2006 |
Matt Anoa'i |
Rosey |
Mutual decision, both parties thought it was a good idea for him to take time off while he worked on his excessive weight situation. |
[citation needed] |
April 27, 2006 |
Brian Mailhot |
Palmer Canon |
Requested release after alleged hazing by other superstars. |
[22] |
May 26, 2006 |
Orlando Jordan |
Orlando Jordan |
He was allegedly released for having an unauthorized person with him on the road and backstage at events. |
[22] |
June 6, 2006 |
Joseph Laurinaitis |
Road Warrior Animal, Animal, The Road Warrior |
Released after throwing a temper tantrum backstage because his desires were all turned down by management. |
[citation needed] |
June 14, 2006 |
Dustin Rhodes |
Goldust, Dustin Runnels |
Released because he missed a RAW show while attending to family problems in court without informing WWE officials. |
[citation needed] |
June 29, 2006 |
Joseph Dorgan |
Johnny Parisi |
Given release after only appearing on Heat. |
[citation needed] |
July 2006 |
Stacy Keibler |
Stacy Keibler, Super Stacy |
Let contract expire to pursue a modeling career. |
[citation needed] |
August 25, 2006 |
Kurt Angle |
Kurt Angle |
Granted an early release due to "personal reasons"/On the road a lot because of WWE House shows he was tired out because of the schedule, went to TNA |
[23] |
September 17, 2006 |
Patricia Stratigias |
Trish Stratus |
Retired from wrestling. Appeared at Raw's 15th Anniversary and May 5th's Raw in Toronto. |
[citation needed] |
September 27, 2006 |
David Cash |
Kid Kash |
Released due to attitude problems |
[24] |
September 28, 2006 |
Peter Polaco |
Justin Credible, Aldo Montoya, P.J.Walker |
Released after no-showing an ECW taping and for failing to contact WWE management afterwards. |
[citation needed] |
September 29, 2006 |
Marty Jannetty |
Marty Jannetty |
Fired for no-showing and not contacting the office afterwards. |
[citation needed] |
October 12, 2006 |
Francine Fournier |
Francine |
Released from her contract. |
[22] |
October 12, 2006 |
Brent Albright |
Gunner Scott |
Released from developmental contract |
[25] |
October 26, 2006 |
Ted DiBiase |
"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase |
Budget cut. |
[26] |
November 1, 2006 |
Dionicio Castellanos |
Psicosis |
He was released following an arrest for allegedly stealing a car in Mexico. |
[27] |
November 26, 2006 |
Amy Dumas |
Lita |
Retired to focus on acting and music career. |
[28] |
December 13, 2006 |
Amy Zidian |
Amy Zidian |
Released from her contract because of attitude problems, allegedly with Stephanie McMahon. |
[29] |
December 15, 2006 |
Dan Morrison |
Danny Doring |
Released from his contract. |
[30] |
2007 |
Paul Heyman |
Paul Heyman |
Removed from his position in ECW on December 4, 2006. Heyman has since quietly left the company. |
[31] |
2007 |
Todd Romero |
Steve Romero |
Quietly left the company. |
[citation needed] |
2007 |
Steve Williams |
Dr. Death Steve Williams |
Released from developmental duties |
January 18, 2007 |
Chris Anderson |
C.W. Anderson, Christopher W. Anderson |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Doug Basham |
Doug Basham |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Carlene Begnaud |
Jazz |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Rodney Begnaud |
Rodney Mack |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
David Heath |
Gangrel |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Danny Holly |
Danny Basham |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Mike Shane |
Jake Gymini |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Todd Shane |
Jesse Gymini |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Charles John Spencer |
Tony Mamaluke |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 18, 2007 |
Sylvester Terkay |
Sylvester Terkay |
Budget cut. |
[32] |
January 19, 2007 |
Chris Chavis |
Tatanka |
Budget cut. |
[33] |
January 20, 2007 |
Bill DeMott |
Bill DeMott, Hugh Morrus |
Budget cut. Not following expectations of WWE staff. |
[33] |
February 27, 2007 |
Andrew Martin |
Test |
Requested release following 30 day suspension. Also believed to have failed a drug test. |
[34] |
March 22, 2007 |
Rebecca DiPietro |
Rebecca |
Requested Release. |
[35] |
March 26, 2007 |
Adam Birch |
Joey Mercury |
Backstage Problems. Also had drug problems. |
[36] |
May 11, 2007 |
Rob Conway |
Rob Conway |
Budget cut |
[37] |
May 11, 2007 |
Charles Skaggs |
Flash Funk, 2 Cold Scorpio |
Budget cut |
May 15, 2007 |
Vito LoGrasso |
Vito |
Budget cut |
[38] |
May 16, 2007 |
Terry Brunk |
Sabu |
Backstage problems |
[39] |
May 18, 2007 |
Shelly Martinez |
Ariel |
Released from contract after backstage fight with Batista |
[40] |
May 18, 2007 |
Scott Garland |
Scotty 2 Hotty, Scott Taylor |
Budget Cut. |
[40] |
May 18, 2007 |
Nick Mitchell |
Mitch |
Budget Cut. |
[40] |
May 19, 2007 |
Mark Canterbury |
Henry O. Godwinn, Mark Canterbury |
Released from Developmental contract |
[41] |
June 22, 2007 |
Stephanie Finochio |
Trinity |
Released from contract, was inactive. |
[42] |
June 30, 2007 |
Robert Szatkowski |
Rob Van Dam |
Contract expired; taking sabbatical from wrestling. |
[citation needed] |
July 11, 2007 |
Chris Kay |
Chris Kay |
Failed a drug test. |
[43] |
July 26, 2007 |
René Goguen |
Rene Dupree |
Released due to drug related incident. |
[44] |
August 5, 2007 |
Eric Bischoff |
Eric Bischoff |
Released. |
[45] |
August 6, 2007 |
Aaron Stevens |
Idol Stevens |
Requested release. |
[46] |
August 13, 2007 |
Sylvain Grenier |
Sylvan, Sylvain Grenier |
Released due to an argument backstage over his canceled push. |
[47] |
August 20, 2007 |
Doink The Clown |
Doink The Clown,European Doink Le Clown |
Released |
[48] |
August 22, 2007 |
Daniel Rodimer |
Dan Rodman |
Released to pursue a separate career. |
[49] |
August 31, 2007 |
Mike Bucci |
Simon Dean, Hollywood Nova |
Released due to his connection to an illegal pharmacy ring. |
[50] |
September 1, 2007 |
Nick Dinsmore |
Eugene |
Released after failing to come up with papers concerning his prescription medicine. |
[51] |
September 11, 2007 |
Jim Fullington |
The Sandman |
Requested early release |
[citation needed] |
September 19, 2007 |
Monty Brown |
Marcus Cor Von |
Released due to personal reasons |
[52] |
October 10, 2007 |
Kristin Eubanks |
Krissy Vaine |
Requested release due to personal reasons. |
[53] |
October 13, 2007 |
Ruben Cain |
Robert Gibson |
Released for not properly handling a heated confrontation between CM Punk and Tony Atlas. |
|
October 16, 2007 |
Booker Huffman |
Booker T, King Booker |
Granted release from his contract following 60-Day Suspension. Went to TNA. |
[54] |
October 16, 2007 |
Sharmell Sullivan |
Queen Sharmell, Sharmell |
Released along with her husband Went to TNA. |
[54] |
October 16, 2007 |
Shawn Daivari |
Daivari |
Granted release from contract. |
[55] |
October 30, 2007 |
Kristal Marshall |
Kristal |
Requested release. |
November 1, 2007 |
Brooke Adams |
Brooke |
Released from contract |
[56] |
November 8, 2007 |
Chris Mordetzky |
Chris Masters |
Released from his contract after while serving 60 Day Suspension. |
[57] |