4 major WWE stars who previously got fired

WWE is one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world. Almost everyone looking to pursue their career in the world of professional wrestling dreams of joining the Stamford-based promotion at some point. However, being a WWE talent is extremely tough for many reasons, including a lot of competition among the stars, as everyone is always grinding to reach the top.

Several big-name stars have been working in World Wrestling Entertainment for many years, including the likes of John Cena, and R-Truth. However, everything has never been hunky-dory for all of the big names who are still performing at the highest level in the company.

In this article, we'll take a look at four big-name talents, who previously got fired from WWE but are now enjoying their time and have become some of the biggest stars in the pro wrestling world.

---

#4. LA Knight

LA Knight is currently one of the most over talents on the WWE roster. The Megastar has managed to form a deep connection with the fans in recent years. The audience even pushed Knight to win his first singles title in the company and it looked like the Triple H-led creative team finally listened to the people as the 42-year-old won the United States Championship against Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2024.

Although he recently dropped the gold against Shinsuke Nakamura at Survivor Series: WarGames, rumors suggest that Knight might get an even bigger push soon.

However, LA Knight's WWE journey has been full of ups and downs as his first stint in the company only lasted a year. The Megastar first joined the Stamford-based promotion in 2013 but soon got fired in 2014. During a recent interview with Jazzy's World TV, the former United States Champion touched upon his firing.

---

#3. Nia Jax

Nia Jax joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 2014 and started performing for the company's developmental territory, NXT. She was shifted to the main roster in 2016 and went on to make a huge name for herself by winning the RAW Women's Championship.

Recently, Jax has become an integral part of the women's division and is also the current WWE Women's Champion. However, The Irresistible Force did not have the best of times in 2021 as she got fired from the company while being on leave due to personal issues.

The real-life Bloodline member even opened up about her abrupt release on social media, stating that she was let go without any consultation.

"It breaks my heart to be so abruptly let go, without consultation, when dealing with so much privately. I loved my career at WWE, I love the men and women I worked with, and I am going to need time to process this huge loss. I appreciate those people who have shown understanding and compassion during an incredibly difficult time."

---

#2. Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre is another big name who has been thriving under Triple H's creative leadership. However, McIntyre's initial WWE run wasn't one of the best.

The Scottish Warrior joined the Stamford-based promotion in 2007 and went on to win several titles, including the Intercontinental Championship and the Tag Team Championship. After allying with former WWE stars Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater as 3MB, McIntyre was released from his contract on June 12, 2014.

The 39-year-old then performed in different wrestling promotions and made a huge name before resurrecting his WWE career in 2017.

---

#1. CM Punk

The last name on this list is none other than CM Punk. Almost everyone knows how Punk got fired from World Wrestling Entertainment. However, for the new wrestling fans, The Straight Edge Superstar was let go under Vince McMahon's leadership in 2014.

It was reported that The Best in the World allegedly walked out on his boss and then went on to miss several shows. He was ultimately fired from the company in 2014 and then announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

However, CM Punk later returned to the world of sports entertainment and joined AEW in 2021. After leaving the Tony Khan-led promotion in 2023, The Straight Edge Superstar shocked the world by returning to WWE.

Punk's current run in the Stamford-based promotion is one of his career's best as he gave fans a memorable feud with Drew McIntyre and is now focused on getting gold. It will be interesting to see what the company has planned for The Best in the World's future.