7 Superstars who recently and willingly walked away from WWE

#1. Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes looks to be even more successful outside of WWE

I've saved Cody Rhodes until last because he might very well be the reason why so many names are starting to express their desire to leave WWE this year. Cody's starting a new promotion backed by a big-money backer, perceived as potential competition to WWE, might have shaken things up a bit.

Rhodes announced on Twitter in May 2015 that he had requested his release from WWE and they granted it the day after. Rhodes cited creative frustrations, particularly around the continued use of the 'Stardust' character that he allegedly pleaded with WWE to end.

But it's what Rhodes did after that is more important. After leaving WWE and joining the independent circuit, Rhodes quickly formed an alliance with The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, Adam 'Hangman' Page and Marty Scurll (Adam Cole and others were also involved at one point or another).

This alliance, known as 'The Elite' quickly became one of the most popular acts in wrestling and eventually it allowed Cody and the Bucks to sell out a 10,000-seater stadium in an event that will go down in history as the start of AEW, All In.

Then, Cody and the Young Bucks partnered with Jacksonville Jaguars owner Tony Khan to start a new wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling.