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Since TKO Group Holdings took over WWE, the promotion has seen significant changes in its operation, especially in talent management. This period has brought numerous new signings and contract renewals for top stars.
However, it has also included a wave of talent cuts, with some superstars being released and others leaving as their contracts expired. Below are five WWE Superstars who were released in 2024 and five who left the company after their contracts expired.
#5. Released from the contract - Gable Steveson
Gable Steveson, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, was signed by WWE in 2021 with plans to develop him into the next major star, similar to Kurt Angle.
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However, that vision never materialized, as Steveson struggled to connect with fans and establish himself. Therefore, it was not surprising when the 24-year-old was released from his contract earlier this year.
#5. Contract expired - Dijak
One of the more surprising decisions by the Stamford-based company was opting not to renew Dijak's contract. Dijak had performed exceptionally well during his second run in NXT and was called back to the main roster earlier this year during the 2024 Draft.
However, his contract was not renewed upon expiration in June, with reports suggesting that a lack of creative plans was the reason for his departure.
#4. Released from the contract - Tegan Nox
Tegan Nox's release on November 1 was one of the more unfortunate cases. Despite her promise, much of Nox's WWE run was plagued by injuries, making it difficult for both WWE and her to establish herself as a mainstay.
She will become a free agent in around 90 days, and it will be interesting to see what’s next for her moving forward.
#4. Contract expired - Baron Corbin
One of the most surprising moves in WWE’s recent departures was the decision not to renew Baron Corbin’s contract. Despite some questionable bookings at times, Corbin repeatedly proved his ability to make the most of any role he was given.
The former United States Champion found a new lease on his career during his second run in NXT. However, things stalled when he was called back to the main roster earlier this year. Reports suggest that a lack of creative plans was likely the reason for his departure.
#3. Released from the contract - Indi Hartwell
Indi Hartwell found great success in NXT, even capturing the NXT Women's Championship. However, that momentum didn’t carry over when she was called up to the main roster last year.
WWE attempted to feature her more regularly by pairing her in a tag team with Candice LeRae. However, it didn’t quite connect with audiences, and she was released on November 1. Hartwell will undoubtedly be one of the young talents that other promotions will be interested in once she becomes a free agent.
#3. Contract expired- Ricochet
It always seemed like there was a certain ceiling to Ricochet's position on the WWE roster. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when the former Intercontinental Champion decided not to sign a new contract earlier this year.
Since then, he has joined rival promotion AEW and has become a regular feature on their television programming.
#2. Released from the contract - Odyssey Jones
Odyssey Jones started getting featured more frequently on Monday Night RAW for a few weeks before allegations of domestic abuse surfaced against the former NXT star.
The Stamford-based company promptly removed Jones from their programming and soon released him from his contract.
#2. Contract expired - WWE Superstar Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley's departure from WWE was one of the more shocking exits, as neither party could reach an agreement on a contract renewal. The All Mighty is undoubtedly one of the biggest names to leave the Stamford-based company in recent times.
His imminent arrival in AEW was no surprise, as he has reunited with his former Hurt Business stablemates Shelton Benjamin and MVP.
#1. Released from the contract - Jinder Mahal
It seemed that WWE was looking to feature Jinder Mahal more prominently at the start of 2024, especially with his segment with The Rock and his world title program with Seth Rollins.
However, a few months later, the Modern Day Maharaja was released from his contract on April 19. He has since been wrestling on the independent circuit.
#1. Contract expired - Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch's contract expired a few months ago after her program with Liv Morgan, during which she dropped the Women's World Championship. The Man decided not to renew immediately as she wanted to take a break from her hectic schedule over the past few years.
Lynch remains one of the biggest names in the wrestling business today, and WWE will be hoping to sign her back when she decides to come out of her hiatus.
