6 Superstars let go by the WWE in 2019 - Where are they now?

#5 Tye Dillinger

Ready to make it big once again

Many fans wouldn’t be aware of how far back Tye Dillinger’s partnership with WWE began. In 2005, Dillinger sent a tape to WWE officials, after which he was called for a try-out.

He was signed to a developmental contract by the company soon after in January 2006. Dillinger remained in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), followed by Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) for a couple of years before moving to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 2008. Dillinger was released from his contract in 2009, after which he wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Ring of Honor (ROH).

Dillinger re-signed with WWE in 2013 and began working in NXT. There he remained a top contender for several years before moving to SmackDown and becoming a mid-card contender and more of an enhancement talent, who wasn’t given too much screentime.

In February 2019, Dillinger announced that he had asked for his release from the company. Three days later, the company confirmed his release, letting go of a Superstar who could have made it bigger had he been given more opportunities.

Without any WWE championships to his name, Dillinger returned to the Independent Circuit under his previous name of Shawn Spears, and debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at their inaugural pay-per-view event Double or Nothing. Since then, Spears has been seen as a star in the making for AEW, and will hopefully be rewarded with many more chances in the new promotion.