5 wrestlers recently released by the WWE: Where are they now?

Achieving a WWE contract is a pipe dream for many wrestlers. Sometimes it can take years of hard work and determination just to get a shot at the big leagues. Other times one lucky break can place a novice in a spot many longer-tenured wrestlers would die for.

Contrary to popular belief, the end of a WWE contract doesn't always mean the end of that wrestler's career. Many in sports-entertainment continue to thrive, and even gain greater financial success after their contract ends. Cody Rhodes is perhaps the best example of this.

Often, the end of a WWE contract doesn't mean a permanent separation between wrestler and federation. Men like Kurt Angle, Christian, and Drew McIntyre have all left the company and then returned to have great success.

Here are five wrestlers recently released from the WWE, why they no longer work for the company, what they've been doing, and what their chances are of returning to the largest wrestling company in the world.

#5 Simon Gotch (Simon Grimm)

As one half of the Vaudvillains, Simon Grimm's fine wrestling ability was subverted in favor of a comedy gimmick.

This never set well with the accomplished amateur grappler, though he did his best to play the part well. In spite of the somewhat cheesy gimmick, he and partner Aiden English were able to earn spots on the main roster and graduated from NXT, until he was released from his contract in 2017.

Why he was let go: Allegedly, Grimm had an attitude problem backstage, which led to Sin Cara hurling a full can of diet coke at his face. Though Sin Cara was the aggressor, the WWE decided Grimm was at fault. Also, they blamed some poor performances by Enzo Amore on Grimm since Grimm was the one calling the match.

What he's been up to Wrestling, wrestling, wrestling. Once his no-compete clause expired, the newly minted Simon Grimm started taking bookings for numerous independent promotions as well as Ring of Honor. Grimm is able to make a good living doing what he loves, and we call that a win in our book.

Chances of returning to WWE: Fifty-fifty. Grimm wasn't well liked by many in the company, however, no one can doubt his technical acumen and wrestling ability. By growing the Simon Grimm brand in the indies, he actually increases his chances of landing another WWE contract down the road.

#4 Emma (Tenille Dashwood)

Quirky Aussie grappler Emma was a big hit on NXT, gaining the adoration of the audience by both her keen wrestling ability and off-beat character.

It seemed she had a great shot at being one of the pioneers of the women's division. However, a botched romance gimmick with Santino Marella and a failure of her quirky Emma persona to catch on with the main roster audience pushed her down the card.

Why she was released: Emma actually asked for her own release, and it was granted without too much fuss. After the failure of her Emmalina character from day one, and the fact she had to watch less experienced wrestlers move ahead of her on the card frustrated Dashwood, who felt she could do better by herself on the indie circuit.

What she's been up to: Wrestling on the independent circuit. Due to her high profile gig with the WWE, she has been able to command thousands of dollars per performance, which is good money on the independent wrestling scene.

Chances of her returning to the WWE: About seventy-thirty against. Emma was never as popular with management as she was with the NXT audience, and they have plenty of talented women on their roster. Only if Dashwood can increase her stock by building a great indie circuit reputation will she be offered another contract.

#3 Rich Swann

Incredibly talented, supremely athletic, and undeniably charismatic, Rich Swann was one of the highlights of the WWE 205 Live program until his recent legal troubles (see below.)

The former CZW standout always put on a good match but struggled with mainstream acceptance from the WWE Universe before his release.

Why he was released: Swann was arrested and charged for kidnapping and battery against his girlfriend. WWE suspended Swann, then fired him shortly after. Though the charges have since been dropped for lack of evidence, Swann has damaged his marketability, possibly beyond repair.

What he's been up to: After a brief foray into the independent circuit, Swann announced his retirement from pro wrestling.

Chances of going back to WWE: 90-10 against. Swann is officially retired, and it would be years before the WWE might consider his legal problems to be far enough in the past to not cause bad publicity.

#2 James Ellsworth

James Ellsworth was hired by the WWE because Vince McMahon wanted to make fun of independent circuit wrestlers who could go in the ring but often lacked the superhuman physiques of their WWE contemporaries.

Ellsworth made the most of his time with the company, putting on five-star matches with AJ Styles and taking bumps that most wrestlers would blanch at. He also was willing to put over women in the ring, which is a deal breaker for many male wrestlers.

Many believe that the WWE made a mistake when they fired Ellsworth.

Why he was released: WWE CEO Vince McMahon wanted to have Ellsworth portray a transgender wrestler and face Charlotte at Wrestlemania 34. While Ellsworth did not baulk at doing what his boss told him, many other executives at WWE forced McMahon to change his mind about the insensitive angle. McMahon decided that since he couldn't use Ellsworth for his intended purpose they would release him from his contract.

What he's been up to: Wrestling on the independent scene has proven lucrative for Ellsworth, once his no-compete clause expired. He even wrestled Tenille Dashwood at a recent show, proving that he is still willing to do whatever it takes to sell a match (and tickets.)

Chances of going back to WWE: 70-30 for it. Ellsworth was well-liked and respected by his peers in the locker room, and his willingness to go along with any storyline or angle even if it made him look weak is a big plus in his chances to be re-hired in the future.

#1 Enzo Amore

The WWE's resident rock star bad boy was more famous for his mike work and 'gangsta' antics than his in-ring work.

As part of Enzo and Cass, his flaws were somewhat hidden by his tag partner, but on his own, he failed to live up to his own hype. Multiple attempts to shuffle Amore around to different brands and rosters were met with limited success before his release.

Why he was released: Amore faces charges of sexual assault against a female acquaintance. While he has yet to be found guilty, the WWE fired him rather than just suspending his contract. Enzo's poor performance in the ring, arrogant attitude (he was kicked out of the RAW locker room not by an individual wrestler, but by the entire roster) and constant bad behaviour made the rape allegations the last straw.

What he's been up to: Cooling his heels at home. Not only is Amore's no-compete clause preventing him from finding indie work, the unsavoury allegations against him mean that most promotions don't want anything to do with him, in spite of his fame and marketability.

Chances of going back to the WWE: Less than zero. His peers didn't like him, he made management nervous, and his in-ring ability was barely adequate under the best of circumstances. Add in the rape allegations and--even if he is found not guilty--you have the death knell for Amore's WWE career aspirations.

There you have it; Five wrestlers recently released by the WWE, what they've been doing since, and their chances of being re-hired.

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Edited by Shruti Sadbhav