8 superstars WWE refused to release 

#7 Brodie Lee

The late Brodie Lee, who was known as Luke Harper during his time in WWE, was also one of the superstars who requested his release from the company after working for them for 7 years.

The Exalted One was frustrated due to the lack of his use by the company, after he had recovered from a torn bicep injury.

In April 2019, he took to Twitter to inform everyone of his decision, stating:

"As of this evening, I have requested a release from WWE. The past 6 years have been a simply, amazing journey around the world and back with lifelong friends and family. I am proud of it all and proud to say I shared the ring with my co workers. This decision, as difficult as it was, feels right for myself and WWE. My goal in the future is to continue to grow as a performer and person and continue to make my family proud."

WWE did not grant him his release, and added more time to his contract to make up for the time he was out of action with a torn bicep. During this time, he was nowhere to be seen on WWE programming.

He made a surprise return at Clash Of Champions 2019 to reunite with Erick Rowan (now known as Erick Redbeard) to start a short feud with Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan.

Lee was taken off television again soon after that, and was finally released in December that year, 8 months after asking for his release.