10 WWE Superstars who have left the company so far this year

#2 Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman was one of the names mentioned in the most recent batch of WWE releases. Like many other stars released, Strowman was one that many found shocking, especially as he was competing for the WWE Championship less than a month ago.

During his time in WWE, Braun Strowman held many accolades. He is a two-time tag team champion, former WWE Universal Champion, Intercontinental Champion and has won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale, Money in the Bank ladder match and also the Greatest Royal Rumble.

According to Fightful Select, a big reason behind the release of Braun Strowman from WWE was the cost of his contract, with the star allegedly earning $1 million per year.

---

#1 Former WWE NXT Champion Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe was one of the superstars released from WWE in April of this year. The former WWE United States Champion was last seen on screen at WrestleMania 37 in a commentary role, just days before he was let go.

Joe began appearing on commentary for WWE in late 2019, alongside sporadic in-ring appearances. The star took on the role after suffering a series of injuries. Many fans expected the star to move back into the ring full-time again at some point in WWE, but this never came to fruition.

Like multiple WWE releases in 2021, Samoa Joe has been hinted at making a return to IMPACT Wrestling at Slammiversary this summer in their promo clips online.