5 Times WWE Superstars surprisingly let their contracts expire

#4 WWE Hall of Famer Macho Man Randy Savage opted to let his contract run down in 1994

Just #MachoMan Randy Savage hanging with the #EasterBunny at the White House in 1993. 🐰 pic.twitter.com/T2pD0u6KSq

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 4, 2021

Macho Man Randy Savage is one of the most iconic superstars in WWE history. Known for his distinct voice and flamboyant style, Savage's fame extended well beyond traditional wrestling circles.

Savage enjoyed great success in WWE, headlining several WrestleMania events. He also held the WWE Championship on two occasions, with his final reign coming to an end in September 1992.

By 1993, Vince McMahon did not see the Macho Man as a regular in-ring performer anymore, despite Savage being only 42 years old at the time. Instead, McMahon wanted his former champion to serve as a commentator and an ambassador for the company going forward.

Savage was not a fan of this new role. Just months removed from regularly headlining WWE events, the Macho Man still believed he had plenty left to offer between the ropes.

Savage realized he would need to move elsewhere if he wanted to continue as an active wrestler. Knowing his existing WWE contract had expired after he worked as an announcer on the October 31 1994 edition of RAW, Savage did not appear on the following week's show.

Addressing his sudden absence, McMahon informed viewers that Savage was no longer a WWE employee, suggesting that the Macho Man had not given the company a chance to negotiate an extension.

"At this time, obviously conspicuous by his absence, is the Macho Man Randy Savage. And I’d like to announce, unfortunately, that Randy Savage has been unable to sign a contract with the World Wrestling Federation—not unable to, rather to come to terms with the World Wrestling Federation for a new contract," explained McMahon. "But Randy, I know you’re out there listening, and on behalf of all us here in the World Wrestling Federation, all of your fans, and certainly me, the number one fan, I’d like to say thank you for all of your positive contributions to the World Wrestling Federation. Thank you, Randy Savage, for all the wonderful memories for so many years here in the World Wrestling Federation. We wish you nothing but the best. God speed, and good luck."

#MachoMan and @RealDDP COLLIDED at WCW Spring Stampede on this day in 1997! pic.twitter.com/Fh1wfQAVok

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) April 6, 2020

A short time later, Savage inked a multi-year deal with rival promotion WCW. This move would allow him to fulfill his desire to compete in the ring again. Winning four WCW World Championships in his time there, Savage was a great success for his new employer.

The Macho Man's name value played a part in helping WCW unseat WWE as the world's top promotion for a period between 1996 and 1998. Vince McMahon's decision to disregard Savage as an active wrestler quickly turned out to be a mistake.