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WWE is the largest wrestling promotion in the world and has proven to be the land of opportunities for countless professional wrestlers.
Over the years, fans have watched many international superstars sign with the company. Every single one of these stars has come in with big hopes. French superstar André the Giant became one of the most well-known performers of the wrestling world. Italian-born Bruno Sammartino made waves early in the company’s history and became the longest-reigning champion of all time.
While many international superstars have seen a lot of success in WWE, not everyone has been as lucky. Unlike WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali, Indian superstars Jeet Rama and Giant Zanjeer failed to make an impact before their release from the company earlier this year.
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With that being said, take a look at the 10 prominent international superstars who were released by WWE in 2021.
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#10. Moldovan WWE Superstar Marina Shafir was released from her contract in June 2021
MMA fighter Marina Shafir switched to professional wrestling and signed with WWE in 2018. Along with Jessamyn Duke, Shafir joined Shayna Baszler on WWE NXT.
Fans were hoping to watch the three women team up with Ronda Rousey someday to recreate the Four Horsewomen of MMA in WWE. However, Shafir and Duke never got a significant push in the company.
Their stock tumbled after Baszler moved to the main roster. The Moldovan superstar went unutilized for a long time before being released with Duke in June 2021. Her husband, Roderick Strong, is still working for NXT. She has since appeared for some independent promotions, including Game Changer Wrestling (GCW).
#9. Australian-born WWE Superstar Shane Thorne was released in November 2021
Shane Thorne joined WWE NXT in 2016. The Australian-born superstar hoped to make waves on the brand as fans were quite impressed with his in-ring work.
Thorne remained prominent in NXT but failed to win any titles. He moved to the main roster in early 2020. After performing as Shane Thorne on the main roster for some time, he was assigned to the villainous faction Retribution and renamed Slapjack.
Things didn't work out for Thorne, who went nowhere after the stable broke up. He remained off-TV for a long time and was released by WWE in November 2021. However, thanks to his popularity, he is likely to get bagged quickly by another top promotion.
#8. English superstar Drake Maverick has been released twice in two years
Drake Maverick arrived in WWE and became the General Manager of 205 Live in 2017. He played the role well before transitioning into an in-ring performer.
Maverick helped elevate the 24/7 Championship for a significant amount of time and put on some good segments for WWE TV. In April 2020, the English superstar was released from his contract.
He continued to compete in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Title Tournament and nearly won it. Impressed with his performance, Triple H handed Maverick a WWE NXT contract.
The superstar competed on the brand for some time before he was once again released by WWE in November 2021. The English superstar has been cut by the company twice in two years. He will likely get signed to a new promotion soon.
#6-7. WWE released Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik in November 2021
Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik appeared in WWE as part of the Lucha House Party. The two were extremely energetic in the ring and constantly put on great performances.
Both men were reportedly unhappy with their bookings in the company and did not like losing constantly. They requested their release from the company in late-2021.
Lucha House Party never made it big in WWE and only won the 24/7 Championships individually. The Puerto Rican and Mexican superstars were released by the company in November 2021. They will likely sign with IMPACT Wrestling sometime soon.
#4-5. Australia’s iconic duo Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were released by WWE in April 2021
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce formed a memorable partnership in WWE. They came together to form The IIconics, taking WWE by storm. Even though they did not get many top rivalries, they were great entertainers.
Hailing from Australia, Kay and Royce were living their dreams in WWE until after WrestleMania 37. The company released the two superstars from their contract just days after 'The Greatest Show of Them All.'
The two had been working separately at the time, and their release was seen as surprising. Kay and Royce have now signed to IMPACT Wrestling where they’re known as The IInspiration. They are the current Knockout Tag Team Champions as well.
#3. Welsh Superstar Tegan Nox was released by WWE in November 2021
Many in the WWE Universe believe Tegan Nox has a world of potential. Her partnership with Dakota Kai in WWE NXT worked well, and the two ended up having a great rivalry.
Injuries kept the 27-year-old out for some time, but she moved to the main roster pretty quickly. The Welsh superstar began making a name for herself, but WWE abruptly released her from her contract in November 2021.
Her release came as a surprise to many fans. Nox could have become the next top female superstar of WWE. However, the company decided against continuing with her on the main roster.
#2. Lebanese WWE Superstar Arturo Ruas was released in June 2021
Lebanese-born Arturo Ruas joined WWE in 2015. Before becoming a professional wrestler, he represented his country at the Pan American Games 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The WWE Superstar did not achieve too much during his time with the company. Injuries kept him away for long periods, and he never got a massive rivalry. After competing in only a handful of matches over six years, Ruas was released by WWE in June 2021.
It did not take the wrestler long to bag another contract. He is now signed to AEW where he performs as Tiger Ruas. He is a mid-card performer who could soon make a name for himself in the future.
#1. Mexican Superstar Andrade asked for his WWE release in March 2021
Andrade El Idolo is arguably the biggest superstar to ask for his release from the company in 2021. The former United States Champion had some significant achievements in the company, but many believed he was being underutilized.
The 32-year-old Mexican tried to become a big name in WWE. Much like many before him, Andrade had all the skills to make it big in the business.
He asked for his release in March 2021 and was soon granted the same. Andrade is currently working for WWE’s rival promotion AEW. He will likely become a top star for the new promotion shortly.
