All Of WWE's 2023 Main Roster Releases: Where Are They Now?
WWE releases talent every year for a variety of reasons, and 2023 was no different in that regard. While it is always unfortunate to see people lose their jobs, it does allow talent to move on and do something else, whether that is working for another company or focusing on projects outside of the business.
5 Times A WWE Release Hurt A Wrestler's Career (& 5 Times It Helped)
While no one likes to get fired, some WWE releases have helped wrestlers completely reinvent their careers elsewhere.That is the case for the people who have been released in 2023, with those who ended up being cut from WWE has since moved on to focus on the next challenge in their careers.
10 Dolph Ziggler Is Stepping Back Into The Ring
His WWE Release Was A Surprise
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2004 - 2023 | September | Comedian/Independent Scene |
Dolph Ziggler was someone most people thought would be in WWE for life considering how long he'd been part of the company for. He competed at the highest level and held countless titles over the years, but his time came to an end in 2023.
Ziggler has continued to focus on his comedic work, putting together regular stand-up routines as he develops that aspect of his career. However, he will be continuing to wrestle moving forward as he is booked for some dates on the independent scene.
9 Matt Riddle Is In MLW
He Caused Multiple Issues Due To His Real Life
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2018 - 2023 | September | MLW |
Matt Riddle was someone WWE pushed hard at points, having a run as United States Champion and enjoying a successful tag team partnership with Randy Orton. However, multiple issues behind the scenes away from the ring ultimately caused him to be released after he reportedly burned through too many bridges.
Matt Riddle & 9 Other WWE Stars That Went To Rehab
Matt Riddle isn't the only WWE wrestler to enter rehab in order to get some help with addiction issues.Riddle is going to be getting back in the ring though as he is set to work for MLW. It is a place where he worked before being part of WWE, and now he is going to be back on the roster once again with his first match being against Jacob Fatu.
8 Shelton Benjamin Was A Veteran Of WWE's Roster
He's Set To Keep Wrestling
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2000 - 2010/ 2017 - 2023 | September | N/A |
WWE had stopped using Shelton Benjamin since his time with The Hurt Business came to an end, despite the fact he had name value due to his career and that he could still perform to a high level inside the ring.
Benjamin got people talking with his social media video following the end of his 90-day non-compete clause, showcasing that he still plans to wrestle. However, at this moment it is unknown where he will be popping up next.
7 Elias Drifted Away From WWE
His Future Is Currently Unclear
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2014 - 2023 | September | N/A |
Elias had a rollercoaster career in WWE, having moments where he was incredibly over with fans to the point where he was one of the top acts in the company. However, on the flipside, there were moments when he struggled to be booked at all, with creative often running hot and cold with him.
He ended up being let go, despite his ability to get a reaction from the fans. He has remained quiet since that point, with fans unclear about what he is set to do next.
6 Riddick Moss & Emma Are Focusing On Life Together
Both Were Released In 2023
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2014 - 2023 (Moss) 2011 - 2017/ 2022 - 2023 (Emma) | September | YouTubers |
Riddick Moss had a good run with WWE, particularly during his Madcap Moss stages, while Emma's second run with the company never quite took off. WWE even tried putting the real-life couple together on-screen, but that didn't get over either, and eventually, WWE cut ties with both.
While they could end up continuing to wrestle, right now they are focusing on enjoying life together. Both have a passion for travel, and that is their new venture as they've launched a YouTube channel to showcase all of their adventures together.
5 Top Dolla Was Cut Again
Hit Row's Second Run Didn't Work
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2020 - 2021/ 2022 - 2023 | September | Independent Scene |
Hit Row was a faction that had a lot of potential, but after Swerve Strickland joined AEW and wasn't able to be brought back with the rest of the group it was clear things weren't going to work. They lacked a distinct leader, and despite Top Dolla's best efforts he didn't manage to get over enough.
10 Wrestlers WWE Regretfully Released (& Became Superstars Elsewhere)
WWE came to regret releasing these wrestlers as they went on to become superstars elsewhere.While he was cut from WWE, he is continuing with professional wrestling. Top Dolla appeared at GCW when his non-compete clause was up, and that appears to be his first destination moving forward.
4 Rick Boogs Never Recovered Post-Injury
His Best Run Came Alongside Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2017 - 2023 | September | N/A |
When Rick Boogs was working alongside Shinsuke Nakamura he was thriving, and his injury at WrestleMania 38 was an unfortunate situation for him. It brought an abrupt end to his tag team run and sadly Boogs was never able to recover from that when he returned as the company didn't get behind him again.
His release didn't come as a major shock because of that, and he has blamed Vince McMahon's departure as something that killed his career. It's currently unclear what is next for him in life, but he is focusing on fitness and remaining in great shape.
3 Aliyah's Journey Came To An End
She's A Former Women's Tag Team Champion
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2015 - 2023 | September | N/A |
Aliyah was someone who spent a long time in WWE developmental and was randomly brought to the main roster out of nowhere. However, it proved to be a good decision as she got over as an underdog babyface, particularly during her feud against Natalya.
Aliyah ended up winning the Women's Tag Team Championships with Raquel Rodriguez, but the company still let her go. She has yet to reveal what is next for her though following the 90-day non-compete clause.
2 Maximum Male Models Have Remained A Team
They Didn't Quite Click In WWE
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2016 - 2023 (Mace) 2018 - 2023 (Mansoor) | September | Independent Scene |
The Maximum Male Models faction was a unique idea that never quite clicked in WWE. While LA Knight and Maxxine Dupri have gone on to succeed on WWE's main roster, the same opportunities didn't exist for Mace and Mansoor, despite their commitment to the gimmick.
9 Wrestlers We Expect To Be Released From WWE Before The End Of 2023
These wrestlers will probably be released from their WWE contracts before the end of 2023.They both got cut but have opted to remain a tag team and continue to push a similar gimmick. They're now performing on the independent scene, and they have proven to be a hit so far.
1 Mustafa Ali Is Embarking On A World Tour
He Has A Busy Calendar For 2024
WWE Tenure | Release Date | Current Work |
|---|---|---|
2016 - 2023 | September | Independent Scene |
Mustafa Ali is one of the most talented wrestlers that WWE released, which came as a surprise due to the fact he had been booked for a North American Championship match ahead of that. He is a fantastic in-ring performer, and that is why it's not a shock he has been booked for various promotions for 2024.
Ali is now a free agent and has already committed to a lot of dates all around the world. He will be working for the likes of GCW and Progress Wrestling, putting on matches against a variety of wrestlers.
