It’s no secret that the world of professional wrestling can be a cutthroat business, and the past year has been no exception. WWE, in particular, has made some major cuts to its roster, resulting in dozens of wrestlers being let go. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the WWE releases in 2018 and discuss the impact they’ve had on the company. We’ll also compare these releases to those of 2017 and answer the burning question on everyone’s mind: How many wrestlers have been released from WWE? So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into the tumultuous world of professional wrestling.
WWE Releases 2018: Farewell, Fellas
Wrestling is not just a sport; it’s a culture, it’s a lifestyle, it’s everything! And just like in any other profession, people come, people go. But in WWE, when someone goes, it hits hard. As the year 2018 came to a close, we bid farewell to some of our favorite WWE wrestlers for one last time. Here’s a list of the talented men and women who left us, leaving us with long-lasting memories.
The Big Show
Paul Wight, also known as The Big Show, made his WWE debut in 1999, and we’ve been blessed with his amazing performances ever since. The giant man’s skills in the ring were impeccable, so it came as a shock when we found out he was leaving last year. But fear not, wrestling fans! Although he may not be wrestling full-time anymore, he still has a role in the WWE as an ambassador and commentator.
James Ellsworth
Oh, Ellsworth. Where do we even begin with this guy? James Ellsworth was the underdog that everyone loved to hate, but then, the underdog that everyone just loved. He never gave up, even though he knew his chances of winning were slim to none. His departure from WWE was one of the most emotional moments of the year.
Enzo Amore
Enzo had a controversial stint in the WWE, to say the least. He was the epitome of a heel, but he had charisma and energy that made us love him anyway. However, things took a turn for the worse when allegations of sexual assault surfaced, and Enzo was fired from the WWE in January of 2018. It was a sudden exit and a sad one at that.
Neville
The high-flying, gravity-defying luchador, Neville, decided to take a break from wrestling in October of 2017 and was subsequently released from his contract in August of 2018. Although his WWE run was short-lived, Neville left an indelible mark on the fans’ hearts and minds. Neville was a true artist in the ring, and we hope to see him back doing what he does best soon.
Emma
Emma’s release came as a surprise to many fans, as she had just revitalized her career with a new gimmick and a winning attitude. Nonetheless, Emma remains one of the most talented female wrestlers out there, and her absence has left a void in the Divas division.
Darren Young
Darren Young was an empowering figure in the WWE. As one of the few openly gay athletes, he represented a glimmer of hope for so many people. Although his stint in the WWE was short, it was important, and it brought the issue of inclusivity to the forefront of the wrestling community.
These wrestlers brought so much to the WWE, and their contributions will not be forgotten. While their departures left us all feeling a little teary-eyed, we can take solace in knowing that their legacies will live on for years to come.
WWE Releases 2017
We know your mind is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming WWE releases, but let us rewind a bit and talk about the 2017 releases first. Hold on tight, because this is going to be a ride!
The Departure of the Lone Wolf
Who could forget the stunning exit of Baron Corbin? After suffering defeat in the infamous Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33, he was stripped of his Money in the Bank briefcase, which he had won at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view just a few weeks earlier. This loss and dishonor were too much for Corbin, leading him to snap and unleash his frustration on the fallen Tye Dillinger.
The Good Brothers Get The Boot
While we’re on the subject of unexpected departures, let’s talk about Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. These two former tag team champions were known for their hilarious skits and backstage shenanigans. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to save them from being released in 2017. Maybe they can reunite with AJ Styles and reform The Club in a different promotion.
Emma’s Release Shocked Everyone
It’s not just male wrestlers who face the chopping block. Emma (or Tenille Dashwood) was let go from WWE in 2017 after a six-year stint with the company. She was known for her sparkly jackets, dance moves, and iconic bow pose. Fans were surprised and saddened by her release, but she has since found success in independent promotions.
And that concludes our trip down memory lane for the WWE releases of 2017. We hope you enjoyed this bit of history and are now even more excited for the upcoming releases. Stay tuned, because who knows what surprises the world of wrestling has in store for us next!
How Many Wrestlers Have Been Released from WWE
In the unpredictable world of wrestling entertainment, even the most talented superstars are sometimes shown the door. Whether it’s due to budget cuts, unmet expectations, or creative differences, the process of letting wrestlers go is an inevitable fact of life in WWE. So, just how many wrestlers have been given their walking papers from the company in 2018? Let’s take a closer look.
Overall Releases
As of this writing, there have been a total of 16 wrestler releases from WWE in 2018. That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually lower than the previous year’s tally of 22 releases. However, it’s worth noting that we’re only halfway through the year, and there could be more releases coming down the pipeline.
High-Profile Exits
While all releases are significant to some extent, some wrestlers have made a bigger impact than others. One of the biggest exits of 2018 was Big Cass, who had been with the company since 2011. Another notable departure was James Ellsworth, who had gained a fan following for his comedic character work and unconventional appearance. Other wrestlers who have left the fold include Rich Swann, Emma, and Darren Young.
The Future of WWE Releases
While nobody can predict the future with certainty, it’s safe to assume that more wrestlers will be released from WWE as time goes on. The company is always looking to refine its talent pool and maintain a competitive edge, and that sometimes means cutting ties with wrestlers who aren’t performing up to expectations. But despite the ups and downs of the wrestling industry, one thing is certain – fans and wrestlers alike will continue to be captivated by the world of WWE for years to come.
