List of WWE alumni

=== 1990s ===
Left is another word for resigned
Release date 	Ring Name(s) 	Notes
1990 	Ronnie Garvin 	Released
1990 	Bad News Brown 	Left due to claims that Vince McMahon failed to live up to promises.
1990 	Ax/Super Machine 	Left due to Health problems.
1990 	One Man Gang/Akeem 	Released
1990 	Hector Guerrero, Gobbledy Gooker 	Released after the gimmick Failed
1990 	Jesse Ventura 	Left to pursue other interests.
1990 	Al Perez 	Released
1990 	Sapphire 	Released due to Storyline ended and was no longer needed
1990 	The Honky Tonk Man 	Termination By Mutual Agreement. Lawsuit with McMahon followed regarding owning the HTM name/gimmick.
1991 	Battle Kat, Brady Boone 	Released
1991 	Big Bully Busick 	Retirement
1991 	Tony Atlas 	Released due to Gimmick did not go as planned.
1991 	Paul Roma 	Released
1991 	Carlos Colón 	Retirement
1991 	Boris Zhukov 	Released
1991 	The Duke of Dorchester 	Released
1991 	Black Bart 	Released
1991 	Tenryu 	Released
1991 	Kitao 	Released
1991 	Andre the Giant, The Giant Machine 	Retirement from in-ring competition because he was too ill to continue wrestling.
1991 	The Coach 	Released
1992 	Kerry Von Erich, Texas Tornado 	Fired after failing a random drug test.
1992 	Hercules, Hercules Hernandez 	Left because he was frustrated that he was being used as a jobber too often. He later signed with WCW.
1992 	Miss Elizabeth 	Left shortly after her divorce from Randy Savage.
1992 	General Adnan, Billy White Wolf 	Released
1992 	Jamison 	Released
1992 	Mike McGuirk 	Left after refusing to pose for Penthouse magazine.
1992 	Jimmy Snuka 	Released
1992 	The Warlord 	Left as he wanted to compete on the independent circuit.
1992 	Tanaka 	Released
1992 	Greg Valentine 	Released
January 1992 	Dino Bravo 	Retirement
April 26 1992 	Sid Justice 	Voluntarily quit the company due to disagreements with the Warrior and WWF management in particular about the outcome of his match with Warrior
December 1992 	Nailz 	Fired after he attacked Vince McMahon over a dispute over money.
1993 	Konnan, Max Moon 	Left 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
1993 	Rob Bartlett 	Released
1993 	Beau Beverly 	Went into semi-retirement.
1993 	Hulk Hogan 	Termination by mutual agreement because Hogan wanted to pursue other interests.
1993 	Paul Diamond, Kato, Max Moon 	Contract expired and was not renewed.
1993 	Jim Brunzell 	Released
1993 	Smash, Repo Man 	Released
1993 	Blake Beverly 	Released, later went to WCW
1993 	Giant Gonzales 	Contract expired and was not renewed.
1993 	Jimmy Hart 	Left after McMahon wanted him to take a 50% pay cut.
1993 	Bobby Heenan 	Left as still suffering from the broken neck and was unable to cope with the long working hours and wanted to spend time with his family, and relax. Would join WCW shortly afterwards
1993 	Lance Cassidy 	Released
1993 	Slick, Reverend Slick 	Left to concentrate on preaching in his church.
1993 	Brutus Beefcake 	Left to go to WCW.
1993 	Sean Mooney 	Contract expired and was not renewed.
1993 	The Berzerker/The Viking 	Released
1993 	Doink the Clown (#1), Matt Borne 	Fired for constant drug abuse.
1993 	The Genius, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo 	Released
1993 	Sensational Sherri 	Fired for not passing a drug test
1993 	Jerry Sags 	Left with partner for WCW.
1993 	Tito Santana, El Matador 	Went to ECW
1993 	Damien Demento 	Released
1993 	Brian Knobbs 	Left with partner for WCW.
1994 	Ludvig Borga 	Retirement due to injury
1994 	Kamala 	Released
1994 	Bruce Hart 	Retirement
1994 	Keith Hart 	Released
1994 	Heidi Lee Morgan 	Released
1994 	Typhoon, Tugboat 	Released
1994 	Rick Steiner 	Left after Vince didn't follow through with his promises.
1994 	Bastion Booger, Friar Ferguson 	Released
1994 	Koko B. Ware 	Released
July 4, 1994 	Joey Marella 	Died while under contract after he fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and crashed
November 1994 	Randy Savage 	Left out of frustration of Vince McMahon keep Savage away from the ring. Would join WCW shortly afterwards
1995 	Afa 	Released
1995 	Samu 	Left due to excessive travel schedule.
1995 	Lou Albano 	Retirement
1995 	Bam Bam Bigelow 	Left due to problems with the Clique.
1995 	Charlie Hunter 	Released
1995 	Steven Dunn 	Released
1995 	Dink the Clown/Tiger Jackson 	Released
1995 	Lord Alfred Hayes 	Retirement after getting in a car accident which resulted in him contracting gangrene and being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
1995 	Mo 	Released
1995 	Virgil 	Released
1995 	Stan Lane 	Went into semi-retirement.
1995 	Doink the Clown #2 	Released
1995 	Dan Marsh, Danny Davis 	Released
1995 	Dean Douglas, Shane Douglas 	Left due to backstage problems with The Clique.
1995 	Alundra Blayze 	Fired for a 'breach of contract' after talking to WCW.
1995 	King Kong Bundy 	Left after feeling his return wasn't as successful as his first WWF run.
1995 	Nikolai Volkoff 	Went into semi-retirement.
1995 	Man Mountain Rock, Maxx Payne 	Fired for his growing drug abuse problems.
1995 	Jimmy Del Ray 	Released
1995 	The Italian Stallion 	Released
1995 	Sato, Shinja 	Released
1995 	Chief Jay Strongbow 	Released
1995 	Waylon Mercy, Danny Spivey 	Retirement after being injured in a match with Kevin Nash.
1995 	Jack Tunney 	Retirement
1995 	The Barbarian, Sionne 	Released
1995 	Rick Martel 	Released
1995 	Bill Watts 	Resigned after many conflicts with Vince McMahon.
1995 	Timothy Well 	Released
September 1, 1995	Lex Luger/The Narcissist 	His contract expired and Luger did not want to renew it, signing with WCW
January 1996 	Buddy Landel 	Retirement after an injury sustained in a match with Bret Hart.
November 1996 	Marty Jannetty 	Left because he was unhappy with the New Rockers' lack of success and management's refusal to break the team up.
1996 	Skip 	Left because he didn't like his gimmick.
1996 	Uncle Zebekiah 	Returned later as Zeb Colter
1996 	Duke The Dumpster Droese 	Left because the excessive touring was starting to take its toll.
1996 	Travis 	Released
1996 	Mr. Fuji 	Left due to excessive travel schedule and knee problems.
1996 	Terry Gordy, The Executioner 	Released
1996 	Bushwhacker Butch 	Released
1996 	Louie Spicolli 	Termination By Mutual Agreement after suffering severe seizures from a drug overdose.
1996 	Hakushi 	Released
1996 	The Ultimate Warrior 	Fired after several no-shows.
1996 	Troy 	Released
1996 	Bushwhacker Luke 	Released
1997 	TL Hopper, Uncle Cletus 	Released
1997 	Rene Goulet 	Released
1997 	Scott Putski 	Released
1997 	Razor Ramon (Fake) 	Released after the Gimmick failed.
1997 	J.C. Ice 	Released
1997 	Sycho Sid/Sid Justice 	Released
1997 	The Honky Tonk Man 	Termination By Mutual Agreement, wanted to pursue Indy bookings.
1997 	Doug Furnas 	Released
1997 	Bobby Fulton 	Released
1997 	Barry Horowitz 	Released
1997 	The Goon 	Released
1997 	Phil Lafon 	Released
1997 	Clarence Mason 	Released
1997 	The Great Sasuke 	Released
1997 	Todd Pettengill 	Left after the grind of juggling his WWF duties and his radio career were proving to be too hectic.
1997 	Alex Porteau 	Released
1997 	Jake Roberts 	Fired after failing drug tests.
1997 	"Ravishing" Rick Rude 	Left to join WCW.
1997 	The Commandant 	Released
1997 	Iron Sheik, Col. Mustafa 	Released
1997 	Wolfie D 	Released
January 1997 	Jose Lothario 	Released
November 10, 1997	Bret Hart 	Left due to the Montreal Screwjob.
December 2, 1997 	Davey Boy Smith/The British Bulldog 	Left following the Montreal Screwjob. He would join WCW with Hart and Neidhart before re-joing the WWF in 1999
December 2, 1997 	Jim Neidhart 	Left following the Montreal Screwjob. He would join WCW with Hart and Smith
1998 	Brakkus 	Released
1998 	Yokozuna 	Released due to his weight and potential heart issues
1998 	Tom Brandi, Salvatore Sincere 	Left company after months of not being pushed.
1998 	Violent J 	Left after Vince McMahon refused to air Insane Clown Posse commercials on WWF programming.
1998 	The Jackyl 	Released
1998 	Tennessee Lee 	Released
1998 	Mantaur, Tank 	Released
1998 	Road Warrior Hawk 	Left after a strong dislike to his current storyline.
1998 	Chainz/Evil Undertaker 	Released
1998 	Babu 	Released
1998 	Ahmed Johnson 	Fired after his wrestling style had begun to cause injury to his opponents.
1998 	Mens Teioh 	Released
1998 	Sniper 	Released
1998 	Savio Vega, Kwang 	Released
1998 	Dick Togo 	Released
1998 	Shaggy 2 Dope 	Left after Vince McMahon refused to air Insane Clown Posse commercials on WWF programming.
1998 	Yamaguchi-San 	Released
May 1998 	Sunny/Tamara Murphy 	Left for ECW.
July 1998 	Ricky Morton 	Released
August 1998 	The Patriot 	Released
September 1998 	Mrs. Yamaguchi-San 	Released
October 1998 	Jesus Castillo 	Released
October 1998 	Jose Estrada, Jr. 	Released
October 1998 	Miguel Perez 	Released
October 25, 1998 	Vader 	Contract expired and he chose not to renew it
1999 	Conquistador Dos 	Released
1999 	Johnny Grunge 	Release as he was not received well by the rest of the WWF roster.
1999 	Paul Ellering 	Retired.
1999 	George Steele 	Released
1999 	Rocco Rock 	Released as he was not received well by the rest of the WWF roster.
1999 	Bart Gunn, Bodacious Bart 	Released
1999 	Ryan Shamrock 	Released
February 1999 	Earthquake/Golga 	Released as the Oddities gimmick didn't go as planned.
April 1999 	Don Harris, Jared Grimm, Jacob Blu, 8-Ball	Released
April 1999 	Ron Harris, Jason Grimm, Eli Blu, Skull 	Released
April 1999 	Dan Severn 	Termination By Mutual Agreement, Dan Servern wanted to go back to having a career with MMA
May 1999 	Marc Mero 	Released
May 23 	Owen Hart/The Blue Blazer 	Died while under contract. Fell to his death while being lowered to the ring from the catwalk of the Kemper Arena at Over The Edge
July 19, 1999 	Nicole Bass 	Left and filed a lawsuit against the organization for sexual harassment, claiming she was sexually assaulted backstage by Steve Lombardi. In 2003 the case went to court and was ultimately dismissed
September 1999 	Marianna/Mrs. Cleavage 	Released
September 1999 	Giant Silva 	Released
October 5, 1999 	Vince Russo 	Left after having a falling out with Vince McMahon over the increased workload placed upon him. Joined WCW shortly afterwards
October 17, 1999 	Jeff Jarrett 	Contract expired and he chose not to renew it
November 1999 	Kurrgan/The Interrogator 	Left in order to pursue an acting career.
November 1999 	Ken Shamrock 	Termination By Mutual Agreement to resume his MMA career.
=== Early 2000s ===
Release date 	Ring Name(s) 	Notes !
2000 	Bob Backlund 	Released
2000 	Rebecca Budig 	Released
2000 	Gillberg 	Released
2000 	Thrasher 	Retirement
2000 	Jason Sensation 	Released
January 2000 	Jean Pierre LaFitte/Pierre 	Contract expired and WWE chose not to renew it
January 2000 	The Mountie 	Released
February 2000 	Luna Vachon 	Fired due to allegedly taping the mouth of a producer shut.
March 2000 	Mr. Hughes 	Released
May 30, 2000 	The British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith 	Retirement due to continuing back problems and prescription drug problems.
June 2000 	Barbara Bush (B.B.) 	Released
July 2000 	Key 	Released
September 2000 	Muffy Mower 	Released due to lack of storyline ideas for her character.
October 2000 	Mideon, Phineas I. Godwinn, Dennis Knight	Released
November 3, 2000 	Mandy 	Released
December 2000 	Road Dogg, Jesse James, Roadie 	Fired after showing up for a Raw show in an "unfit work state" due to drug use.
December 2000 	Bobcat 	Released
2001 	Sara Calaway 	Released due to storyline ended; made brief appearances for WWE later.
2001 	Jim Dotson 	Termination By Mutual Agreement to pursue other interest.
February 27, 2001 	The Kat, Miss Kitty 	Fired for behavior problems backstage.
June 2001 	Joey Abs 	Retirement
June 2001 	Pete Gas 	Retirement
June 2001 	K-Kwik 	Terminated by Mutual Agreement due to lack of push. Returned as R-Truth
June 2001 	Rodney 	Retirement
July 2001 	Just Joe 	Released
July 9, 2001 	Buff Bagwell 	Fired for unprofessional conduct.
August 2001 	Chaz, Mosh, Beaver Cleavage 	Released
September 2001 	Tori 	Fired for refusing to train more when asked
September 2001 	Essa Rios 	Fired becuase he refused to speak English.
September 24, 2001	Brian Adams, Crush 	Fired after refusing to go to a developmental territory.
September 24, 2001	Bryan Clark, Adam Bomb 	Fired after refusing to go to a developmental territory.
2002 	Raymond Rougeau 	Left when they stopped producing French programming.
2002 	Billy Silverman 	Left due to constant hazing.
April 2002 	Taka Michinoku 	Left to go back to Japan after a serious shoulder injury.
== World Wrestling Entertainment era ==
=== 2002–2003 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
2002 	Haku, King Tonga, King Haku 	Retirement 	
2002 	Jerry Lynn 	Released 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
May 7, 2002 	Scott Hall/Razor Ramon 	Fired for obscene behavior on a plane trip and for drug & alcohol related issues. 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
May 8, 2002 	Mr. Perfect/Curt Hennig 	Fired after becoming intoxicated and getting into a fight with Brock Lesnar on a return flight from Great Britain. 	
July 2002 	Tiger Ali Singh 	Released after a career-ending injury 	Attempted to sue the WWE shortly afterwards
August 25, 2002 	X-Pac/1-2-3 Kid 	Terminated by Mutual Agreement 	Joined TNA in 2003
September 7, 2002 	Mike Awesome 	Released 	Wreslted in the indy circuit, he would sadly commit suicide by hanging on February 17, 2007
September 27, 2002	Shawn Stasiak/Meat/Planet Stasiak 	Left to pursue other business ventures due to his character failing 	Became a chiropractor and motivational speaker
October 2002 	Steve Blackman 	Retirement 	
October 2002 	David Flair 	Released from developmental contract. 	
November 24, 2002 	Perry Saturn 	Released whilst recovering from a torn ACL in April 	
December 5, 2002 	The Godfather, The Goodfather, Kama Mustafa, Kama, Papa Shango	Retirement 	
January 2003 	Bull Buchanan, Recon, B-2 	Released 	
January 2003 	Raven/Johnny Polo/Scotty Flamingo 	Released after a contract dispute. 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
February 14, 2003 	D'Lo Brown 	Left to wrestle in Japan. 	
March 2003 	Kevin Kelly 	Left to pursue other ventures. 	
March 2003 	Debra 	 	
April 2003 	Eric Angle 	Released from developmental contract. 	
May 2003 	Rocky Johnson 	Released as a trainer for Ohio Valley Wrestling. 	
June 2003 	Terry Taylor/Red Rooster 	Fired after problems with other employees. 	
June 2003 	Roddy Piper 	Fired due to "WWE's inability to reach agreement on a contract and to assist Piper from engaging in any self-destructive behavior" after he gave a controversial interview on HBO's Real Sports with Bryan Gumbel.	
July 2003 	Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hogan, Mr. America 	Left due to frustration with the creative team and unhappy with the payoffs for his matches after his comeback 	Left became a star in both TV and movies, would re-join the WWE in 2005
July 1, 2003 	Crash Holly, Crash 	Fired on suspicion that he was using drugs. 	
December 6, 2003 	Nathan Jones 	Resigned due to heavy travel schedule. 	
December 31, 2003 	Kevin Nash/Diesel 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign. 	Joined TNA in 2004 before re-joining WWE in 2011
December 31, 2003 	Goldberg 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign. 	Became a star in movies, would re-join WWE in 2011
=== 2004–2005 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
February 4, 2004 	Zach Gowen 	Fired for attitude problems. 	
February 9, 2004 	Chris Kanyon 	Released 	
February 12, 2004 	Ernest Miller 	Retired 	
February 12, 2004 	Lamont 	Released when Ernest Miller retired 	
April 3, 2004 	Sean O'Haire 	Fired after he was involved in an altercation with a female and was charged with assault. 	
April 3, 2004 	Terri Runnels, Marlena 	Retirement 	
April 15, 2004 	Ultimo Dragon 	Left to go back to Japan. 	
June 2004 	Rue DeBona 	Released 	
June 2004 	Brian Lawler, Grandmaster Sexay, Brian Christopher	Fired for (allegedly) using muscle relaxers. 	
June 2004 	Jacqueline Moore/Ms. Jackie Moore 	Released 	
June 15, 2004 	Chavo Classic 	Fired for no-showing a WWE SmackDown house show 2 days earlier. 	
July 17, 2004 	Rikishi, The Sultan, Fatu 	Fired for refusing to lose weight. 	
August 5, 2004 	Sakoda 	Released 	
August 10, 2004 	Sable 	Released 	
August 17, 2004 	Scott Steiner 	Termination by mutual agreement 	Joined TNA in 2006
October 26, 2004 	Carmella DeCesare 	Released 	
November 1, 2004 	A-Train, Albert, Prince Albert 	Released while he was injured with a torn rotator cuff. 	Returned as Tensai
November 1, 2004 	Billy Gunn, Mr. Ass, Billy G, RockaBilly 	Contract expired and he chose not to renew-it 	Joined TNA in 2005
November 2, 2004 	Rico 	Retirement 	
November 3, 2004 	Nidia 	Released 	
November 3, 2004 	Gail Kim 	Released 	
November 4, 2004 	Johnny Stamboli 	Released 	
November 12, 2004 	Linda Miles, Shaniqua 	Fired because of attitude problems. 	
February 2005 	Amy Weber 	Left after hazing from Randy Orton. 	
March 2005 	Rochelle Loewen 	Left because she felt she wasn't getting enough exposure. 	
April 11, 2005 	Rhyno 	Fired for having a rather public argument with his wife in a hotel foyer, breaking a vase in the process. 	
April 11, 2005 	Paul Bearer 	Released 	
April 12, 2005 	Molly Holly, Mighty Molly 	Left for personal reasons. 	
April 12, 2005 	Jesús Aguilera, Jesús, Uno 	Released from developmental contract. 	
April 18, 2005 	Lance Storm 	Left due to the condition of his back. 	
May 11, 2005 	Luther Reigns 	Termination by mutual agreement 	
June 2005 	Lauren Jones 	Left to star in movies and TV shows, considers coming back. 	
June 30, 2005 	Marc Lloyd 	Released 	
July 5, 2005 	Maven 	Released 	
July 5, 2005 	Spike Dudley 	Contract expired, decided not to renew his contract. 	
July 5, 2005 	Billy Kidman 	Released 	
July 5, 2005 	Mark Jindrak 	Released 	
July 6, 2005 	Miss Jackie 	Released 	
July 6, 2005 	Joy Giovanni 	Released 	
July 6, 2005 	D-Von Dudley, Reverend D-Von 	Contract expired, decided not to renew his contract. 	
July 6, 2005 	Bubba Ray Dudley, Buh Buh Ray Dudley 	Contract expired, decided not to renew his contract. 	
July 6, 2005 	Matt Morgan 	Released 	
July 6, 2005 	Dawn Marie Psaltis 	Released; she was pregnant at the time. 	
July 6, 2005 	Hiroko 	Released 	
July 6, 2005 	Kenzo Suzuki 	Released 	
July 8, 2005 	Jim Cornette 	Fired after many backstage confrontations at OVW. 	
July 18, 2005 	Earl Hebner 	Fired for selling WWE merchandise without permission. 	
July 19, 2005 	Dave Hebner 	Fired in connection with Earl Hebner incident. 	
July 22, 2005 	Ivory 	Contract expired, decided not to renew his contract. 	
July 25, 2005 	The Blue Meanie 	Short-term contract expired, decided not to renew his contract. 	
August 13, 2005 	Kaz 	Left after WWE wanted him to cut his hair. 	
September 11, 2005	Daniel Puder 	Released after he refused a lower salary offer 	
September 21, 2005	Muhammad Hassan 	Released after WWE were forced to drop the character due to public and network backlash due to Hassan's (kayfabe) ski mask attack to The Undertaker occur shortly before the London bombings	Retired shortly afterwards
October 29, 2005 	Brian Hebner 	Fired for behavior problems, shortly after his father Earl Hebner and uncle Dave Hebner 	
October 31, 2005 	Christian 	Contract expired and decided not to renew it. 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards before re-joining WWE in 2008
December 5, 2005 	Christy Hemme 	Laid off 	
December 8, 2005 	Tajiri 	Resigned so he could go back to Japan. 	
=== 2006–2007 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
January 2006 	Elisabeth Rouffaer 	Resigned because she didn't feel like wrestling was the right job for her. 	
January 6, 2006 	Juventud Guerrera/Juventud 	Fired for poor behavior backstage. 	
January 17, 2006 	Heidenreich 	Released after taking time off for ear infection. 	
February 2006 	Momma Benjamin 	Released as the Gimmick had ended and was no longer needed. 	
February 10, 2006 	Antonio 	Released along with his tag partner Romeo. 	
February 10, 2006 	Romeo 	Released along with his tag partner Antonio. 	
February 13, 2006 	Cowboy Bob Orton 	Released as he was no longer needed. 	
February 22, 2006 	James Dick 	Fired due to alleged backstage incident with his tag team partner. 	
February 22, 2006 	Chad Dick 	Fired due to alleged backstage incident with his tag team partner. 	
March 9, 2006 	Super Porky 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 9, 2006 	Octagoncito 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 9, 2006 	Piratita Morgan 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 9, 2006 	Tsuki 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 9, 2006 	Mascarita Sagrada/Max Mini 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 9, 2006 	Pequeño Violencia 	Released as the Juniors Division was scrapped 	
March 21, 2006 	Rosey 	Termination by mutual agreement so Rosey can take time off while he worked on his excessive weight situation. 	
April 4, 2006 	Tyson Tomko 	Left due to lack of role and storylines. 	
April 4, 2006 	Chyna 	Contracted expired and she decided not to renew it, so she can pursue a career in acting 	Joined TNA in 2011
April 4, 2006 	Brock Lesnar 	Termination by mutual agreement to pursue a career in MMA 	Joins the UFC in 2007 before re-joining the WWE in 2012.
April 27, 2006 	Palmer Canon 	Constructive discharge after alleged hazing by other superstars. 	
May 26, 2006 	Orlando Jordan 	Fired for having an unauthorized person with him on the road and backstage at events. 	
June 6, 2006 	Road Warrior Animal/Animal 	Fired after throwing a temper tantrum backstage because his character ideas were all turned down by management. 	
June 14, 2006 	Goldust/Dustin Rhodes 	Fired because he missed a RAW show while attending to family problems in court without informing WWE officials 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards before re-joining WWE in 2007
June 29, 2006 	Johnny Parisi 	Released 	
July 2006 	Stacy Keibler/Super Stacy 	Contract expired and she did not want to renew it to pursue a modeling career. 	
August 25, 2006 	Kurt Angle 	Left due to WWE continuing to have him wrestle despite health problems, pay dispute and disliking his position within the company 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards before re-joining WWE in 2016
August 25, 2006 	Chris Jericho 	Contract expired, and Jericho chose not to renew to focus on his music career 	Re-join WWE in September 2007
September 27, 2006	Kid Kash 	Fired due to "attitude problems" 	
September 28, 2006	Justin Credible/Aldo Montoya/P.J.Walker	Fired after no-showing an ECW taping and for failing to contact WWE management afterwards. 	
September 29, 2006	Marty Jannetty 	Fired for no-showing and not contacting the office afterwards. 	
October 12, 2006 	Francine 	Released 	
October 12, 2006 	Gunner Scott 	Released from developmental contract 	
October 26, 2006 	"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase 	Released 	
November 1, 2006 	Psicosis 	Fired following an arrest for allegedly stealing a car in Mexico. 	
November 26, 2006 	Lita 	Semi-retirement from in-ring competition to focus on acting and music career; also wanted to stay away from the spotlight after the tremendous fan backlash she had been receiving because she legitimately cheated on Matt Hardy with Edge.	Re-joined WWE in 2012 and occasionally wrestled
December 13, 2006 	Amy Zidian 	Fired because of attitude problems, allegedly with Stephanie McMahon. 	
December 15, 2006 	Danny Doring 	Released 	
2007 	Paul Heyman 	Released 	Re-joined WWE in 2012
2007 	Steve Romero 	Released 	
2007 	Dr. Death Steve Williams 	Released from developmental duties 	
January 18, 2007 	C.W. Anderson, Christopher W. Anderson 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Doug Basham 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Jazz 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Rodney Mack 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Gangrel 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Danny Basham 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Jake Gymini 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Jesse Gymini 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Tony Mamaluke 	Released 	
January 18, 2007 	Sylvester Terkay 	Released 	
January 19, 2007 	Tatanka 	Released 	
January 20, 2007 	Bill DeMott 	Fired for not following expectations of WWE staff. Later returned as a trainer. 	
February 27, 2007 	Test 	Fired for failed a drug test. 	
March 22, 2007 	Rebecca DiPietro 	Left 	
March 26, 2007 	Joey Mercury 	Fired due to Backstage and drug problems. 	Re-joined WWE in 2013
May 11, 2007 	Rob Conway 	Released 	
May 11, 2007 	Flash Funk, 2 Cold Scorpio 	Released 	
May 15, 2007 	Vito 	Released 	
May 15, 2007 	Sabu 	Fired due to Backstage problems 	
May 18, 2007 	Ariel 	Fired after having a backstage fight with Batista 	
May 18, 2007 	Scotty 2 Hotty, Scott Taylor 	Released 	
May 18, 2007 	Mitch 	Released 	
May 19, 2007 	Henry O. Godwinn, Mark Canterbury 	Released from Developmental contract 	
June 22, 2007 	Trinity 	Released due to inactivity 	
June 30, 2007 	Rob Van Dam 	Left the company in order to take care of his wife, who had been diagnosed with cancer 	Joined TNA in 2010
July 11, 2007 	Chris Kay 	Fired after failing a drug test. 	
July 26, 2007 	Rene Dupree 	Fired due to drug related incident. 	
August 5, 2007 	Eric Bischoff 	Contract expired and he decided not to renew it 	Joined TNA in 2010
August 6, 2007 	Idol Stevens 	Left due to lack of storyline. 	Later returned as Damian Sandow
August 13, 2007 	Sylvan, Sylvain Grenier 	Fired due to an argument backstage over his canceled push. 	
August 22, 2007 	Dan Rodman 	Left to pursue a politics career. 	
August 31, 2007 	Simon Dean/Hollywood Nova 	Fired due to his connection to an illegal pharmacy ring. 	
September 1,2007 	Eugene 	Fired after failing to come up with papers concerning his prescription medicine. 	
September 2, 2007 	JTG 	Fired due to altercation at house show with referees. 	
September 2, 2007 	Shad Gaspard 	Fired due to altercation at house show with referees. 	
September 11, 2007	The Sandman 	Left 	
September 19, 2007	Marcus Cor Von 	Termination by mutual agreement for unspecified "family issues". He would retire shortly afterwards 	Termination by mutual agreement for unspecified "family issues". He would retire shortly afterwards
October 13, 2007 	Robert Gibson 	Fired for not properly handling a heated confrontation between CM Punk and Tony Atlas. 	
October 16, 2007 	Booker T/King Booker 	Left following a 60-Day Suspension. 	Later joined TNA before returning to WWE in 2011
October 16, 2007 	Queen Sharmell/Sharmell 	Released along with her husband 	
October 16, 2007 	Daivari 	Left 	
October 30, 2007 	Kristal 	Released after rejecting a storyline to be Edge's girlfriend 	
November 1, 2007 	Brooke 	Released 	
November 8, 2007 	Chris Masters 	Fired for violating WWE's Substance Abuse and Drug Policy a 2nd time 	Returned to WWE in 2009
=== 2008 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
January 2008 	Anastasia 	Released 	
2008 	Johnny Jeter 	Released 	
February 4, 2008 	Bobby Lashley 	Termination by mutual agreement over Pay dispute, creative differences and WWE firing his real-life wife Krystal.	Joined TNA in 2009, joined them again in 2014, pursue a MMA career before re-joining WWE in 2018
February 4, 2008 	Roadkill 	Fired for selling unauthorised WWE merchandise. 	
February 7, 2008 	Al Snow 	Released from his trainer's contract following WWE ending their affiliation with OVW 	Joined TNA
April 1, 2008 	The Rock/Rocky Maivia 	Termination by mutual agreement to pursue a career in films/movies 	Re-join WWE in 2011
April 28, 2008 	Dave Taylor 	Released 	
April 28, 2008 	Balls Mahoney 	Released 	
May 8, 2008 	Torrie Wilson 	Left due to a back injury. 	
June 13, 2008 	Mikey 	Released 	
July 3, 2008 	Trevor Murdoch 	Contract expired and WWE decided not to renew it. 	
July 9, 2008 	Ashley Massaro 	Left in order to care for her sick daughter. 	
August 3, 2008 	Jonathan Coachman 	Left to work for ESPN. 	
August 7, 2008 	Braden Walker 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	KC James, James Curtis 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	Domino 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	Shannon Moore 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	Nunzio/Little Guido 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	Nick Patrick 	Released 	
August 8, 2008 	Mabel/Viscera/Big Daddy V 	Released 	
August 15, 2008 	Stevie Richards 	Released 	
August 15, 2008 	Robbie McAllister 	Released 	
August 15, 2008 	Rory McAllister 	Released 	
August 15, 2008 	Wes Adams 	Released 	
August 15, 2008 	Cherry 	Released because she wasn't thin enough to be a diva. 	
August 15, 2008 	Colin Delaney 	Released 	
September 1, 2008	Mick Foley/Cactus Jack/Dude Love/Mankind	Contract expired and he decided not to renew it because he was unhappy with his position in the company 	
October 14, 2008 	Lance Cade 	Left after suffering a seizure on a plane and needing emergency medical care. 	
November 5, 2008 	Super Crazy 	Left because he was unhappy with his position in the company. 	
November 7, 2008 	Paul London 	Released 	
November 7, 2008 	Chuck Palumbo 	Released 	
November 10, 2008	Elijah Burke 	Released 	
November 10, 2008	Kenny Dykstra 	Released 	
November 10, 2008	Lena Yada 	Released 	
November 18, 2008	Armando Alejandro Estrada 	Released 	
December 1, 2008 	Brother Love 	Released 	
December 11, 2008	Gene Snitsky 	Released 	
December 31, 2008	Barry Windham 	Released 	
=== 2009 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
January 9, 2009 	Kevin Keenan 	Released 	
January 9, 2009 	Mike Kruel 	Released from developmental contract 	
January 9, 2009 	D'Lo Brown 	Released 	
January 9, 2009 	Bam Neely 	Released 	
January 9, 2009 	Val Venis/Sean Morley/Chief Morley 	Released due to inactivity 	
January 9, 2009 	Mordecai/Kevin Thorn 	Released from developmental contract 	
January 9, 2009 	Tim White 	Released 	
January 9, 2009 	Jim Korderas 	Released 	
January 9, 2009 	Mike Posey 	Released 	
January 10, 2009 	Gavin Spears 	Released 	
January 13, 2009 	Sgt. Slaughter 	Released 	
January 13, 2009 	Ron Simmons/Faarooq 	Released 	
January 14, 2009 	Mickie Henson 	Released 	
January 14, 2009 	Matt Cappotelli 	Released 	
January 15, 2009 	Hade Vansen 	Released 	
January 16, 2009 	Victoria 	Released due to WWE "having no plans for her" 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
January 16, 2009 	Hardcore Holly/Bob Holly/Bombastic Bob 	Released 	
February 20, 2009	Scotty Goldman 	Released 	
February 22, 2009	Freddie Prinze, Jr. 	Released 	
February 24, 2009	Manu 	Released 	
March 4, 2009 	The Boogeyman 	Released 	
March 5, 2009 	John Carle 	Released 	
March 9, 2009 	Ryan Braddock 	Released 	
March 9, 2009 	Kizarny/Sinn Bowdee 	Left due to limited exposure 	
March 18, 2009 	Tyson Tomko 	Released 	
March 31, 2009 	Tazz 	Contract expired, decided not to resign. 	Joined TNA
April 5, 2009 	John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL)/Bradshaw/Blackjack Bradshaw	Retirement from in-ring competition 	Re-join WWE in 2012 as colour commentator
April 5, 2009 	'Stone Cold' Steve Austin 	Retirement from in-ring competition 	
April 24, 2009 	Superstar Billy Graham 	Released from WWE Legends contract after a fallout with Vince McMahon. 	
May 29, 2009 	Mr. Kennedy/Ken Kennedy 	Fired for botching and injuring Randy Orton in an 8-man tag team match 	
June 8, 2009 	Umaga/Jamal 	Fired for his 2nd violation in the company and for refusing to take a rehab drug test 	
June 8, 2009 	Vickie Guerrero 	Left so she could spend more time with her family. 	
June 19, 2009 	Ric Flair 	Left 	Joined TNA in 2010 before re-joinig WWE in 2012
June 19, 2009 	Candice Michelle 	Released while she was injured. 	
June 19, 2009 	Deuce/Sim Snuka 	Released 	
July 30, 2009 	Brian Kendrick/Spanky 	Left because he was unhappy with his place in the company. 	Joined TNA in 2010
September 3, 2009	Jeff Hardy 	Contract expired and Hardy chose not to renew it 	Joined TNA in 2010
November 24, 2009	Lauren Mayhew 	Contract was not renewed after the 2 parties failed to negotiate for a long-term contract.	
=== 2010 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
January 4, 2010 	Tommy Dreamer 	Released 	Later joined TNA
January 17, 2010 	Eric Escobar 	Released as the Storyline didn't go as planned. 	
February 26, 2010 	Maria 	Left so she could pursue a music career. 	Joined TNA before re-joing WWE in 2016
February 26, 2010 	Gregory Helms, The Hurricane, Hurricane Helms	Left because he was unhappy with WWE's current creative direction. 	
February 26, 2010 	Paul Burchill 	Released 	
March 28, 2010 	Trish Stratus 	Semi-retirement from in-ring competition 	Would occassionally wrestle afterwards
March 28, 2010 	Shawn Michaels 	Retirement 	Come out of retirement for one night only
April 22, 2010 	Mickie James 	Released due to weight issues 	
April 22, 2010 	Katie Lea Burchill 	Released 	
April 22, 2010 	Shelton Benjamin 	Released 	Joined NOAH, ROH and NJPW
April 22, 2010 	Funaki/Kung Fu Naki 	Left to open a wrestling school. 	Returned in 2017 to become Shinsuke Nakamura's manager
April 22, 2010 	Slam Master J, Jesse, Jesse Dalton, Ray Geezy	Released 	
April 22, 2010 	Jimmy Wang Yang 	Released 	
April 24, 2010 	Mike Knox 	Released 	
May 1, 2010 	Tony Atlas 	Released 	
May 22, 2010 	Carlito 	Fired for violating of the WWE Wellness Program 	
May 24, 2010 	Batista 	Left because he didn't like the direction of the WWE 	Had an MMA fight and became an actor. Returned to WWE in 2014
June 21, 2010 	Virgil 	Released as a storyline ended and was no longer needed. 	
June 23, 2010 	Savannah 	Released due to inactivity after the ECW brand was discontinued. 	
August 15, 2010 	Lou E. Dangerously/Sign Guy Dudley 	Contract expired and decided not to renew it 	
August 24, 2010 	Serena Deeb 	Released due to Visa issues. 	
September 27, 2010	Chris Jericho 	Contract expired and he chose not to renew to focus on touring with his band Fozzy and he could appear on the TV show Dancing With The Stars.	Returned to WWE on January 2, 2012
October 13, 2010 	Jamie Keyes 	Released 	
October 17, 2010 	Matt Hardy 	Released after management sent him home during a tour of Europe. 	Joined TNA in 2011, then ROH in 2012, then TNA again in 2014 before re-join WWE with Jeff Hardy in 2017.
November 2010 	Bret Hart 	Contract expired and was not renewed. 	
November 19, 2010 	Shad Gaspard 	Released from developmental contract. 	Wrestled in the indy circuit, he sadly passed away on 17 May 2020 aged 39 trying to save his son from a strong rip current
November 19, 2010 	Aaron Goose Mahoney 	Released 	
November 19, 2010 	Luke Gallows/Festus 	Released due to lack of an angle for his character. 	Joined NJPW before re-join WWE in 2016
November 19, 2010 	Jillian Hall 	Released 	
November 19, 2010 	Tiffany 	Released 	Joined TNA then NWA
November 19, 2010 	Caylen Croft 	Released 	
November 19, 2010 	Vance Archer 	Released due to inactivity. 	
December 2, 2010 	Montel Vontavious Porter 	Left 	Joined TNA in 2014
December 23, 2010 	Kaval 	Left due to the hectic travel schedule. 	
=== 2011 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
February 3 	Finlay 	Released after authorising the interruption of the US national anthem by The Miz during a house show, which offended many, including National Guard members who were in attendance	Wrestled in the indy circuit for a year before re-joining WWE
May 1, 2011 	Michelle McCool 	Retirement from in-ring competition after dealing with numerous injuries, including a torn MCL and gave birth to her child 	Retirement from in-ring competition after dealing with numerous injuries, including a torn MCL and gave birth to her child
June 13, 2011 	Michael Tarver 	Released 	
August 5 	Chris Masters 	Released 	
August 5 	Melina 	Released due to her "backstage attitude" 	Wrestled in the indy circuit before joining TNA in 2019
August 5 	Vladimir Kozlov 	Released 	
August 5 	David Hart Smith 	Released due to inactivity, wanted to wrestle in Japan. 	Wrestled in NJPW before re-joining WWE in 2020
August 8, 2011 	Lucky Cannon Johnny Prime	Released 	
August 23, 2011 	Todd Grisham 	Left to pursue other interests. 	
September 29, 2011	Nunzio 	Released 	
September 30, 2011	Gail Kim 	Granted a requested release 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
October 28, 2011 	Maryse 	Released after 2 months of inactivity 	Returned to WWE in 2016 as The Miz's manager. Still occasionally wrestles
=== 2012 ===
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
April 29 	Edge 	Allowed his current WWE contract to expire and has not signed the new offer he has received from the WWE	Returned to WWE on the September
April 30 	Brie Bella 	Released 	Returned to WWE on the March 11, 2013
April 30 	Nikki Bella 	Released 	Returned to WWE on the March 11, 2013
May 6, 2012 	Goldust/Dustin Rhodes	Released 	Returned to WWE on January 27, 2013
June 28, 2012 	Maxine 	Released 	Joined Lucha Underground in 2014. Now is under contract with MLW in 2021
September 28, 2012	Kelly Kelly 	Requested and received release after months of inactivity 	
October 29, 2012 	Beth Phoenix 	Granted a requested release due to "being frustrated with her position in the company" 	Returned to WWE in 2017, became a colour commentator for NXT from May 15, 2019 until November 30, 2021. Still occasionally wrestles
==== 2013 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
 	Eve Torres 	Retirement from in-ring competition to pursue a family and focus on her role as an instructor for the Gracie Women Empowered Self-defense program	Retirement from in-ring competition to pursue a family and focus on her role as an instructor for the Gracie Women Empowered Self-defense program
May 17 	Derrick Bateman 	Released 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards and also join Evolve in 2016 and ROH in 2018
May 17 	Sakamoto 	Released from developmental contract. 	
May 17 	Percy Watson 	Released 	
June 20 	Matt Striker 	Contract expired and was not renewed. 	Joined NJPW in 2014 then joined AAA and Lucha Underground before joining TNA in 2021
July 18 	Chris Jericho 	Contract expired and Y2J decided not to renew it 	After an 11-month hiatus, Jericho returned on the June 30, 2014
September 1	Ted DiBiase, Jr.	Contract expired and he decided not to renew it 	
(Bateman never joins WWE in 2018)
==== 2014 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
January 8 	Kaitlyn 	Left to focus on her marriage and clothing line 	Returned to wrestling in 2018
April 6 	CM Punk 	Walked out due to: 
* Being paid less than the other wrestlers in the 3 most significant matches of WrestleMania 29
* Not main eventing a WrestleMania
* Doing favours for Vince McMahon and not being owed back
* Being "creatively stifled"
* Feeling that there were no long-term plans for wrestlers other than John Cena
* Not getting answers as to how the advent of the WWE Network would affect wrestlers' salaries
* Creative differences
* Unpaid royalties
* Lost passion for wrestling
* Health reasons (untreated and potentially fatal MRSA infection, broken ribs, injured knees, multiple concussions (including one at the 2013 Royal Rumble) as well as having lost his appetite and ability to sleep well)	Joined UFC in December 2014 until May 2017, before re-joining WWE.
June 12 	Drew McIntyre 	Released 	Joined ICW and Evolve shortly afterwards he would also join GFW and PWG in 2015 before re-joining WWE in 2017
June 12 	Aksana 	Released 	
June 12 	Curt Hawkins 	Released 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards
June 12 	Theodore Long 	Released 	
June 12 	Camacho 	Released 	
June 12 	Brodus Clay 	Released 	Joined TNA
June 12 	Evan Bourne 	Released 	Joined ROH, NJPW and PWG shortly afterwards, he would also join TNA in 2017 before joining AEW in 2020
June 12 	Yoshi Tatsu 	Released 	
June 12 	Marc Harris 	Released 	
June 12 	JTG 	Released 	
June 25 	Josh Matthews 	Released 	Joined TNA in 2015
July 2 	Emma 	Fired after being arrested for shoplifting accused of trying to steal a $21.14 iPad Mini case (it turned out that she did indeed pay for it but the item was not properly checked), the case was voluntarily dismissed due to No Probable Cause to Arrest. She was given a 90 day no compete clause whcih ended on 30 September 2014	Joined TNA shortly afterwards until September 2017 when she battled a fractured shoulder and a debilitating flare-up of psoriasis, returning to wrestling in June 2018, she would join AEW in 2019
July 30 	Ricardo Rodriguez	Released 	Joined AAA
August 7 	 	 	
October 11	Justin Roberts 	Contract expired and was not renewed. 	Joined AEW
December 1	Rob Terry 	 	Joined NJPW, RPW and ROH before re-joining WWE in December 2015
==== 2015 ====
# 	Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Aftermath
1 	January 2 	Alberto Del Rio 	Fired for "unprofessional conduct" following an altercation with an employee who allegedly made a racist joke 	Later joined AAA and Lucha Underground. Returned to WWE on October 25 2015
2 	January 2 	Eva Marie 	Released 	Returned to WWE 3 months later
3 	January 2 	Josh Woods 	Released 	
4 	January 24 	Justin Gabriel 	Left 	
5 	February 5 	Peter Howard 	Released 	
6 	February 13	The Brian Kendrick 	Released 	
7 	February 28	Rey Mysterio 	Contract expired and was not renewed. 	Joined AAA and Lucha Underground shortly afterwards also join NJPW in 2017 before re-joining WWE in 2018
8 	March 6 	Bill DeMott 	Fired as trainer after allegations of misconduct 	
9 	April 3 	CJ Parker 	Granted a requested release 	
12	April 24 	Tony Briggs 	Released 	
13	June 2 	Tyson Kidd 	Retirement from in-ring competition due to a career-threatening neck injury suffered in 2015 	Retirement from in-ring competition due to a career-threatening neck injury suffered in 2015
14	June 2 	Jinder Mahal 	Released 	Returned to Raw August 1, 2016
15	July 1 	Charles Brenner 	Released 	
16	July 24 	Hulk Hogan 	Released due to an anti-black rant made by Hogan on his controversial leaked sex tape in which he is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter with any black man, referenced by repeated use of the racial slur "n*****". Hogan also admitted to being "a racist, to a point". WWE removed almost all references to Hogan from their website, including his listing as a judge for Tough Enough, his merchandise from WWE Shop, and his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page (however, he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia released in October 2016). Mattel stopped producing Hogan action figures, while Hogan's merchandise was taken down from online stores of Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart. His DLC appearance from WWE 2K15 was taken down from sale, and his character was cut from then upcoming WWE 2K16 game during development	Released due to an anti-black rant made by Hogan on his controversial leaked sex tape in which he is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter with any black man, referenced by repeated use of the racial slur "n*****". Hogan also admitted to being "a racist, to a point". WWE removed almost all references to Hogan from their website, including his listing as a judge for Tough Enough, his merchandise from WWE Shop, and his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page (however, he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia released in October 2016). Mattel stopped producing Hogan action figures, while Hogan's merchandise was taken down from online stores of Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart. His DLC appearance from WWE 2K15 was taken down from sale, and his character was cut from then upcoming WWE 2K16 game during development
17	July 29 	Layla El 	Retirement from wrestling 	Retirement from wrestling
18	August 8 	Joey Styles 	Released 	
19	August 18 	King Konstantine 	Released 	
20	August 31 	Zahra Schreiber 	Released after making Instagram posts in 2012 that prominently featured swastikas 	
21	October 9 	Kay Lee Ray 	Released 	Resigned with the WWE in 2019
22	October 9 	Devin Taylor 	Released 	
23	October 9 	Cal Bishop 	Released 	
24	October 23 	MaryKate 	 	
25	November 1 	Randy Orton 	Released whilst on injury 	Resigned with the WWE in March
26	November 13	Billy Gunn 	Fired from his Trainers position after an external positive drug test. 	
27	November 13	The Great Khali 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	
28	November 24	Cesaro 	Released 	Re-join WWE in April 2016
29	November 24	Solomon Crowe 	Released 	Joined Lucha Underground,
30	November 25	Brad Maddox 	Fired after an inappropriate promo at SmackDown Tapings referring to the audience as "cocky pricks" 	
31	November 30	Zeb Colter 	Released 	Joined TNA on January 2017 until December 2017
32	December 30	Sylvester Lefort 	Released 	
33	December 30	Marcus Louis 	Released 	
34	December 30	Rich Brennan 	Released 	
35	December 30	Kyle Edwards 	Released 	
36	December 30	Bull Dempsey 	Released 	
37	December 30	El Torito 	Released 	
38	December 30	Brooklyn Brawler 	Released 	
39	December 30	Hugo Knox 	Released 	
40	December 30	Caroline "CJ" Dunning	Released 	
41	December 30	Sara Lee 	Released 	
42	December 30	Zamariah "ZZ" Loupe 	Released 	
43	December 30	Alex Riley 	Released 	
==== 2016 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
April 3 	Batista 	Retired from in-ring competition at expiration of his 2-year full-time WWE contract 	Became an actor full-time
May 6 	Damian Sandow 	Released 	Joined GFW shortly afterwards before taking a break from wrestling to focus on acting before joining NWA
May 6 	Santino Marella 	Retirement from in-ring compeition 	
May 6 	Hornswoggle 	Released 	Joined TNA shortly afterwards, also joined ROH in 2019
May 6 	Cameron 	Released after inactivity 	
May 6 	El Torito 	Released 	
May 6 	Zeb Colter 	Released 	
May 22 	Cody Rhodes/Stardust	Granted a requested release due to being frustrated with WWE's creative department and his position within the company 	Joined ROH, Evolve, PWG, WCPW and NJPW shortly afterwards before joining AEW in 2019
May 23 	Adam Rose 	Fired after being arrested 	
May 24 	Eden Stiles 	Granted a requested release after her husband Cody Rhodes was released 	Followed Cody as manager
June 	Wade Barrett 	Contract expired and he decided not to renew it to focus on his acting career 	Would re-join WWE NXT in 2020 as a commentator
August 1 	Lilian Garcia 	Termination by mutual agreement 	
August 1 	Eva Marie 	Termination by mutual agreement so she can pursue interests outside of wrestling 	Termination by mutual agreement so she can pursue interests outside of wrestling
August 8 	Ryback 	Contract expired, declined to resign 	
September 9	David Otunga 	Released 	
November 1 	Bubba Ray Dudley 	Contract expired, neither want to renew it 	Joined ROH
November 1 	D-Von Dudley 	Contract expired, neither want to renew it 	
December 19	Alberto Del Rio 	Exercised an opt-out clause from his contract after being unhappy with his position in the company, claiming he had been given empty promises, including a main event push	Joined GFW, AAA and WCPW shortly afterwards before doing MMA in 2019, however he would have legal problems.
* Bella Twins became guests of Total Divas from Season 6. Alicia Fox and Summer Rae added on Total Divas cast for Season 6
* WWE removed all references to Jimmy Snucka from their website, his merchandise from WWE Shop, and his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page (however, he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopaedia). Mattel stopped producing Snucka action figures, while Snucka's merchandise was taken down from online stores of Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart. His appearances on upcoming WWE video games was cut and never introduced again
* Alberto Del Rio would arrested on 9 May, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas and charged with 1 count of aggravated kidnapping, 1 count of sexual assault and 1 count of assault causing bodily harm. Rodriguez's trial was delayed several times before finally on 10 December 2021 he was found guilty on all 3 counts and was fined $24,000 & jailed for 8 years, he will be released for 10 December 2029. 
==== 2017 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
February 1 	Edge 	Stepped away from in-ring competition due to multiple concussions, lesion in his brain and chronic neck problems. 	
February 1 	Christian 	Stepped away from in-ring competition due to multiple concussions and other injuries 	
February 13	Rosa Mendes 	Retirement from in-ring competition 	Retirement from in-ring competition
March 1 	Jack Swagger 	Left feeling he need a change and was "a little fed up" 	Joined Lucha Underground and MLW in 2018
April 5 	Simon Gotch 	Fired as he wasn't like much backstage and had been involved in various altercations 	Joined MLW in 2018
April 25 	Chris Atkins 	Released 	
April 25 	Theophilus Agbi 	Released 	
April 25 	Mada Abdelhamid 	Released 	
April 25 	Bronson Matthews	Released 	
April 25 	Andrea D'Marco 	Released 	
June 29 	Tyson Kidd 	Retired from in-ring competition following a spinal cord injury. Only 5% of people survive his injury and that he had 16 staples, 4 screws, and a rod inserted in his neck 	Hired as a full-time employee for WWE as a producer
July 7 	Austin Aries 	Granted a requested release due to frustrated with his role in the company 	Rejoined GFW shortly afterwards before leaving after a "off-scripted" moment and joining the NWA in 2019 then MLW
October 1 	CM Punk 	Quit 	Joined ROH then AEW
October 11 	Jimmy Jacobs 	Termination by mutual agreement 	Joined GFW shortly afterwards
October 29 	Darren Young 	Released due to inactivity and injuries 	
October 29 	Summer Rae 	Released due to inactivity and injuries 	Wrestled in indy circuit in 2018
November 3 	Sawyer Fulton 	Released due to inactivity and injuries 	Joined NWA in 2018 and then GFW in 2019
November 4 	Chris Jericho 	Contract expired and he chose not to renew. He also been critical of his pay, in 2016, he received $750 for main eventing WWE Live events and his match vs KO was demoted by placing it on the 2nd place on the WrestleMania match card despite being the feud of the year which was a big insult for Y2J and that prompted him to seek work elsewhere	Would join NJPW the next day and AEW as their 1st signing in 2019.
November 5 	Bronson Matthews	Released 	
December 10	Rich Swann 	Suspended Swann indefinitely for violating the company's zero tolerance policy against domestic violence, before firing him when he was found guilty 	On January 25, 2018 Swann was found guilty of misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment and was sentenced to 5 years in county jail & 1 year of probationary sentence. He will be released on January 25, 2023
(Ho Ho Lun never joined WWE, instead joined Dragon Gate)
==== 2018 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
January 23 	Enzo Amore 	Fired after rape charges were filed against Enzo 	Fired after rape charges were filed against Enzo
February 6 	Jason Jordan 	Retirement from in-ring competition after sustaining a career threatening neck injury 	Later become a producer for the WWE and in April 2021, Jordan was promoted to a new role of lead producer overseeing all other producers at TV tapings
February 	Big Show 	Contract expired. He announced his retirement from in-ring competition 	Contract expired. He announced his retirement from in-ring competition
March 16 	Christy St. Cloud	Released 	
March 8 	Abbey Laith 	Released because NXT Management didn't see enough progression to continue employment 	Joined Stadom, Shine, Shimmer and GFW afterwards
March 8 	Sage Backett 	Released because NXT Management didn't see enough progression to continue employment 	
May 13 	Kishan Raftar 	Released 	
June 2 	Demitrius Bronson	Released after sustaining a severe concussion 	
June 4 	Gabriel Ealy 	Termination by mutual consent after Gabriel Ealy talked about having "24 hour migraines" dealing with the effects of a head injury 	
June 4 	Uriel Ealy 	Termination by mutual consent after Gabriel Ealy talked about having "24 hour migraines" dealing with the effects of a head injury 	
June 19 	Big Cass 	Fired due to behavioral issues including public intoxication during a WWE tour and disobeying direct orders. Morrisey has since spoken about his departure from the company, citing depression, anxiety and an alcohol addiction the main factors in his exit	Would later joined GFW
August 2 	Kane 	Retirement from in-ring competition shortly after becoming Mayor of Knoxville County to focus on his political career 	
August 24 	Neville 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign due to "creative differences" 	Joined Dragon Gate and WCPW shortly afterwards before joining AEW in 2019
 	Leo Gao 	Released after very serious injury 	
August 31 	Brock Lesnar 	Contract expired and both parties decided not to renew as Lesnar wanted to return to the UFC 	Contract expired and both parties decided not to renew as Lesnar wanted to return to the UFC
September 	Amanpreet Singh 	Released from his NXT contract 	Joined GFW shortly afterwards
October 	Cheng Yuxiang 	Released from his NXT contract 	
October 19 	Tian Bing 	Released 	
December 14	Nick Miller 	Granted a requested released in order to spend more time with his family in Australia 	Later joined NJPW
December 15	Taishan Dong 	Left 	
(Zeda never joins WWE)
Deonna Purrazzo never signs for WWE, she would stay in ROH & Stardom and wrestle at All In
==== 2019 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
January 10 	Jerry Lawler 	Contract expired and neither chose to renew it 	Contract expired and neither chose to renew it
January 29 	Hideo Itami 	Granted a requested released 	Joined NJPW
February 22	Arn Anderson 	Fired after allowing an intoxicated Alicia Fox to wrestle a match at a WWE Live Event on February 10 as well as having other backstage issues with management	Joined AEW
February 22	Tye Dillinger 	Granted a requested released 	
April 1 	Kurt Angle 	Retired from in-ring competition 	Started a podcast podcast called The Kurt Angle Show with Conrad Thompson, he also focused on his health and his nutrition business
April 21 	Goldust 	Granted a requested released 	Joined AEW the next day
April 28 	Dean Ambrose 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign wanting a new challenge and wanted to wrestle in Japan 	Joined AEW and NJPW the next day
April 28 	Aiden English 	Termination by mutual consent as WWE having "no plans for him" 	
July 12 	Rhyno 	Contract expired and chose not to renew it 	Rejoined GFW
June 20 	Nikki Bella 	Retired from in-ring competition after a cyst had been found on her brain 	Retired from in-ring competition after a cyst had been found on her brain
August 26 	The Rock 	Retired from in-ring competition at the end of his contract 	Continued his acting career full-time
September 	Karl Anderson 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	Joined GFW and NJPW
September 	Luke Gallows 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	Joined GFW and NJPW
October 14 	Mike Kanellis 	Granted a requested release 	
October 14 	Maria Kanellis 	Granted a requested release 	
October 17 	Alicia Fox 	Retired from in-ring competition at the end of contract 	Went to college
November 11	Sin Cara/Hunico	Granted a requested released 	Joined AAA
November 13	Jordan Myles 	Left stating that he "refused to work for racists", and that Jordan Myles was his "slave name" 	Later join NJPW and indy circuit
December 8 	Konnor 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for them" 	
December 8 	Viktor 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for them" 	
* TJP , Nasser Alruwayeh, Ricardo Miller, Stacey Ervin Jr were never signed
* Shadia Bseiso is still at the company
=== The '20s ===
==== 2020 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
February 	Cathy Kelley 	Left due to exhaustion from the constant travel 	
April 15 	Sarah Logan 	Termination by mutual consent as Logan wanted to take a break from professional wrestling as she wanted to "explore other paths" and start a family 	Working on new content with Wild And Free TV
April 15 	Drake Maverick 	Released 	
April 15 	Lio Rush 	Released after "backstage heat" 	Later joined NJPW
April 15 	Primo Colon 	Released due to inactivity as WWE "had nothing for them" 	
April 15 	Epico Colon 	Released due to inactivity as WWE "had nothing for them" 	
April 15 	MJ Jenkins 	Released due to inactivity as WWE "had nothing for them" 	
April 15 	Christopher Guy/Ace Steel 	Released due to COVID-19 pandemic impact financnes and thus did not need him as a Performance Centre Coach 	
April 16 	Dan Matha 	 	
April 17 	Cezar Bononi 	Released due to inactivity as WWE "having nothing for him" 	
April 30 	Curtis Axel 	Released due to inactivity as WWE "having nothing for him" 	
April 30 	Dash Wilder 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	Joined AEW and AAA shortly afterwards
April 30 	Scott Dawson 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	Joined AEW and AAA shortly afterwards
May 2 	Matt Hardy 	Contract expired, declined to renew it due to "creative differences" 	
May 13 	Rachel Ellering 	 	
May 16 	Drew Gulak 	Contract expired, neither decided to renew it 	
May 28 	Nigel McGuinness 	Released as he was replaced on commentary with Wade Barrett (who started on January 2021) and thus was "not needed" 	
June 17 	Pat Patterson 	Released after the #SpeakingOut movement, and following his involvement in the ring boy pedo scandal of 1994. WWE removed almost all references to Patterson from their website, his merchandise from WWE Shop, and his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page (however, he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia). Mattel stopped producing Patterson action figures, while Patterson's merchandise was taken down from online stores of Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart. His appearances on upcoming WWE video games was cut and never introduced again	Died on December 2, 2020 because of liver failure caused by a blood clot
June 21 	The Undertaker 	Retired from in-ring competition during the final episode of the Undertaker: The Last Ride documentary 	Retired from in-ring competition during the final episode of the Undertaker: The Last Ride documentary
June 25 	Bianca Belair 	Fired after multiple backstage problems/attitude including trying to influence the result of the her matches, spat in the face of Chelsea Green and used anti-white slurs towards her, had constantly belittled and bullied her co-workers, which others have corroborated (Isla Dawn said Belair gave her regular verbal abuse, was spat on, had rumours spread about her and dealt with multiple attempts by Belair to blacklist her from other companies) 	Joined WOW but left in 2022 after a falling out, one of them was Belair cutting a promo that saw her tear into Samantha 'Americana' Sage, which prompted several WOW trainees to speak up as this occurred during an acting class.
June 26 	Velveteen Dream 	Released due to accusations leveled against him during the #SpeakingOut movement and multiple backstage problems 	
July 14 	Heath Slater 	Termination by mutual consent because he "wanted to relax and spend time with the family" as well as try out other wrestling promotions. WWE also had nothing for Slater 	Join GFW shortly afterwards
August 	Zack Ryder 	Contract expires, neither party decided to renew it 	Later joined GFW and GCW
September	Akam 	Released due to both of them being too injury-prone 	
September	Rezar 	Released due to both of them being too injury-prone 	
December 	JoJo (Joseann Alexie Offerman)	Released as she was "not needed" 	
* Ace Steel, Andrea Listenberger, Fit Finlay, Jerry Soto, Lance Storm, Kendo Kashin, Gerald Brisco, Pat Buck, Sarah Stock, Scott Armstrong, Shawn Daivari, Shane Helms and Mike Rotunda were all released.
* John Brody and Mark Kowal both executives of WWE left.
* Multiple live event staff members, including technical crew and show producers, have been released
(Serena Deeb, Mars Wang, Josiah Williams, No Way Jose, Jazzy Gilbert, Killer Kelly, Edgar Lopez, Aleksandar Jaksic, Faisal Kurdi, Hussain Aldagal, Kendo Kashin, Marcos Gomes, Mohamed Fahim, Nick Ogarelli and Yifeng were never signed. Curt Hawkins also never signed, he would join GFW)
==== 2021 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
February 24	The Big Show 	Left from his legends contract after the 2 sides were unable to agree to financial terms on a new contract 	
March 6 	Christian 	Left after contract talks fell through, wanted to return to wrestling full-time 	Joined AEW shortly afterwards
April 15 	Mickie James 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign 	Joined GFW
April 15 	Mojo Rawley 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
April 15 	Kalisto 	Left due to creative differences 	
April 15 	Bo Dallas 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" as he hasn't wrestled a match since November 2019 and WWE wanted to allow him to "pursue other intrests" 	
May 20 	Vanessa Borne 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
May 20 	Kavita Devi 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
May 20 	Ezra Judge 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
May 23 	Daniel Bryan 	Contract expired, WWE attempted to sign a new contract deal in July but contract talks fell through, though the 2 parties were still on good terms. Bryan thanked the WWE and Vince McMahon 	Signed for AEW so he can work with NJPW, be a better father and interact with newer stars, making his debut on September 5, 2021
May 27 	Tom Phillips 	Released as he was "not needed" 	Joined GFW in January 2022 replacing Matt Striker
June 25 	Tino Sabbatelli	Released 	
June 25 	Arturo Ruas 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
June 25 	Ariya Daivari 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
June 25 	Tony Nese 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
August 2 	Ric Flair 	Granted a requested release 	
August 6 	Kona Reeves 	Released due to WWE having "nothing for him" 	
August 6 	Jake Atlas 	Retired from in-ring compeition citing mental health reasons 	
August 27 	Adam Cole 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign wanting to join AEW to be with his girlfriend Britt Baker and friends Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks as well as have full control of Twitch, he also received better pay at AEW. 	Joined AEW in September
October 26 	Greg Hamilton 	Released 	
November 4 	Lince Dorado 	Granted a request release, unhappy with their position within WWE 	
November 4 	Gran Metalik 	Granted a request release, unhappy with their position within WWE 	
November 4 	Oney Lorcan 	Granted a requested release 	
November 4 	Jessi Kamea 	Released 	
November 4 	Keith Lee 	Because of backstage problems, had a health issue that was being addressed, still getting 4 million a year while off, and was uncommunicative and uncooperative with WWE regarding the way his health issue was being addressed by doctors. 90-day no compete clause which ends on 2 February 2022	
December 9 	Jeff Hardy 	Fired for refusing a drugs test and refusing to enter an alcohol rehabilitation program after turning up 	Joined AEW in 2022.
December 10	Johnny Gargano 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign feeling his run in NXT was complete and to spend time with family, Gargano and LeRae are expecting a baby in February (baby son, Quill) 	Returned to WWE on August 22, 2022
December 10	Candice LeRae 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign feeling his run in NXT was complete and to spend time with family, Gargano and LeRae are expecting a baby in February (baby son, Quill) 	Returned to WWE on August 22, 2022
December 10	Kyle O'Reilly 	Contract expired, declined to re-sign to seek new opportunities elsewhere 	Joined AEW shortly afterwards
Jeff Hardy contract expired in May 2, 2020, however was out for 15 months due to injury (6 months due to torn rotator cuff and 9 months due to knee injury) so his contract was frozen during the time off, and time was added on. He would sign a contract extension
Others to leave in 2021 were:
* Drake Younger/Drake Wuertz – NXT Referee
* Jake Clemons – NXT Referee
* Canyon Ceman – Senior Vice President of Talent Development
* Kenice Mobley – WWE RAW Writer
* Vic Joseph – Commentator
* Susan Levison – Senior Vice President & Head of WWE Studios
* Dan Humphreys – International Vice President of Communications
* Brian Pellegatto – Senior Vice President of Production
* Jay Rosenstock – Executive Vice President of International.
* Makham Nolan – Vice President of Media Operations
* James Wortman – Digital Media
* Jaylar Donlan – Executive Vice President of WWE’s Advanced Media Group
* Mark Carrano – Senior Director of Talent Relations
* Nicole Zeoli – Director of Talent Relations
* Mead Rust – Vice President of Communications
* Joe Villa – Manager of Publicity and Corporate Communications
November 4 releases:
* Laura Petrucelli – Vice President of Branding who had been with the company for over 9 years
* John Stamatis – SVP of Global Marketing and Sales Strategy for more than four years
* Laura Todd – Vice President of Partnership Marketing, joined WWE over 14 years ago
* Mike Giacco – Worked in the Talent Sales & Global Partnerships department
(Adnan Virk, Asher Hale, Ari Sterling, August Grey and Lars Sullivan never signed for WWE)
(Eva Marie never returns to WWE)
Toni Storm was sent home and suspended for 30 days after taking Xanax (alprazolam) and turning up drunk on December 29 (her 1st violation of WWE's Wellness Policy), her suspension was lifted on January 28, but did not return until 90 days after December 29 on March 29, 2022. Fellow WWE wrestler Rob Terry paid for Storm's drug rehab and psychologist and help her to recover from drugs and alcohol, Storm has stayed clean since then.
==== 2022 ====
Date 	Wrestler 	Reason 	Afterwards
January 5 	William Regal 	NXT is no longer interested in signing independent wrestlers and is looking exclusively at athletes and non-experienced wrestlers who are coming through their initiatives like their new NIL program. As such, scouting jobs done by Regal and others were deemed unnecessary. Because there was no need for him to identify talents as he'd done with names like Sasha Banks or others, WWE must have felt that keeping him was only getting in the way of their new hiring policy	Joined AEW shortly afterwards
January 5 	Cathy Corino 	 	
January 5 	Ryan Katz 	 	
January 5 	Dave Kapoor 	 	
January 5 	Danny Birch 	Released amid more structural changes to the NXT roster and personnel 	
January 5 	Scott Armstrong 	 	
January 5 	Sarah Cummins 	 	
January 6 	Gabe Sapolsky 	 	Joined AEW shortly afterwards
February 1 	The Brian Kendrick	Granted a requested release 	
February 17	Carlos Cabrera 	 	
March 28 	Big E Langston 	Forced into retirement after suffering a legitimate broken neck (spinal cord, fractures to his C1 vertebrae and C6 vertebrae) and temporary paralysis after a spear through rope in HITC match vs. Rob Terry 	Forced into retirement after suffering a legitimate broken neck (spinal cord, fractures to his C1 vertebrae and C6 vertebrae) and temporary paralysis after a spear through rope in HITC match vs. Rob Terry
April 4 	Pat Buck 	Resigned 	Joined AEW shortly afterwards
April 6 	Nash Carter 	Due to multiple domestic abuse allegations and a photo of him was leaked, doing a Nazi salute with a Hitler moustache. Nash Carter was scheduled to be a DLC character in WWE 2K22, but 2K removed him from the DLC roster due to his release and allegations 	
April 18 	KUSHIDA 	Contract expired, mutual decision to not renew 	Return to NJPW
April 29 	Blair Baldwin 	 	
May 15 	Jimmy Uso 	Fired after being found guilty of another vehicle crime. 	
May 16 	Naomi 	Legitimately walked out of the show over a creative dispute after a meeting with Paul Heyman and firing of her husband Jimmy Uso. She would later be granted a requested release 	Left wrestling entirely
June 13 	Troy Donovan 	Released due to some compliance issues 	
June 15 	John Laurinaitis 	Accused of sexual misconduct and paying off women to stay quiet about it after the fact 	Accused of sexual misconduct and paying off women to stay quiet about it after the fact
August 1 	Io Shirai 	Contract expired, Shirai declined to resign despite WWE attempts to get her a new contract. She wanted to go back to Japan to be with her family 	Returned to Stardom
Draco Anthony, Malcolm Bivens, JMila Malani, Harland, Raelyn Divine, Vish Kanya, Raelyn Divine, Timothy Thatcher and Hideki Suzuki (stays at Pro Wrestling NOAH) never signs
George Carroll Jr., creative writer is never hired