10 wrestlers who were unfortunately released by WWE

#3 Austin Airies

WWE missed a golden opportunity with Austin Aries. When WWE signed him to a developmental contract in 2016, the wrestling world was set abuzz. Everyone was excited to see the former TNA World Champion set foot in WWE. He seemed like a perfect fit for WWE style of programming. His wrestling style was quite similar to Daniel Bryan, and he could hold his own on the mic.

Airies made a huge name for himself in TNA involving himself in classic feuds with the likes of Bobby Roode, James Storm, and Low Ki. Airies was the man who introduced Option C which is what led him to first TNA World Heavyweight Championship. ‘The Greatest Man That Ever Lived’ was second to none when it came to putting on a stellar performance in the ring, and no one could compare to his intensity on the mic.

You would think that with his impressive resume, he would have been pushed to the top in WWE as soon as he arrived. That isn’t what happened as WWE relegated him to doing commentary, and competing in the Cruiserweight Championship in a losing effort against Neville. It was clear that he wasn’t pleased with his position within the company, and requested his release.

Airies’ tale in WWE was similar to Kaval and Daniel Bryan’s who were held back by Vince McMahon due to their small stature, but this time, WWE missed a great opportunity that could have led to some amazing storylines and feuds.