Top 11 Superstars who were unfortunately let go by WWE or left the company in 2019

With the arrival of AEW, it has been quite an eventful year when it comes to releases in WWE as it was believed that the company would not be letting go of Superstars for the fear of them joining AEW. However, with the recent string of releases, it looks the company has changed its mind.

In this article, we will look at the top 11 Superstars that left Vince McMahon's company this year. While top NXT and 205 Live Superstars such as Kenta, ACH, and Kacy Catanzaro were also released this year, we will look at the main rosters Superstars that got the ax in 2019:

#11 Dean Ambrose

The former WWE Champion Dean Ambrose decided to walk away from the company once his contract was up in April of this year. In an interesting move, WWE put out a public statement revealing that Ambrose will not be re-signing with the company and that the would-be parting ways.

Ambrose soon joined AEW making a huge debut at Double or Nothing. Talking to Chris Van Vliet, Ambrose - now known as Jon Moxley - revealed why he chose to sign with AEW:

A lot of it was timing and the chance to not just do the things I want to do, but change the business. It really does create a viable alternative because I can be a difference-maker here, and it was almost like I had to. It was like Double or Nothing chose me."

"I loved everything they said. From the business kind of plan to the ideas, to the way we're going to do stuff to the creative aspect of it or whatever, I was like okay. There was no reason to not jump on this boat and take the journey.

Ever since leaving the company, Moxley has stated multiple times how unhappy he was working in WWE and how felt that their creative team stifled him.

#10 Tye Dillinger

The Perfect 10 Tye Dillinger had asked for his release from the company which he was granted in February this year. While the Superstar was a huge hit with the NXT audience, he could not make much of an impact on the main roster.

Tye Dillinger has also joined AEW and wrestles under the name Sean Spears with the legend Tully Blanchard serving as his manager.

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#9 Goldust

Another top name to have left the company this year was former multi-time Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion Goldust. Goldust, who now goes by Dustin Rhodes is the elder son of Dusty Rhodes and stepbrother of Cody, who is arguably the face of AEW, so it was only natural that Rhodes became All Elite as well.

Dustin Rhodes has been a natural fit for All Elite Wrestling, rediscovering his love for wrestling once again. He's a very important part of the company's programming and also a mentor for the young talents in the back as well.

#8 TJP

Former Cruiserweight Champion and the winner of the first-ever Cruiserweight Classic was let go by the company in February this year. TJ Perkins had been quite vocal about his unhappiness in the WWE and was reportedly fired for disciplinary reasons and not cost-cutting.

While answering an AMA question on Reddit recently TJP talked about how the WWE matches are micromanaged and not fun to perform:

Your match just isn't your match there for many guys. Some guys they play favorites with and will sit down more creatively and have more fun. Others your basically an ant collecting crumbs with another ant in a line full of ants.

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#7 Rhyno

Former ECW Champion Rhyno had become a fan-favourite during his last run with WWE, thanks to his team with Heath Slater. However, the in-ring veteran parted ways with the company in July this year, his last major appearance being at WrestleMania.

Rhyno soon made a return to Impact Wrestling and has been with the company since then. Rhyno is currently feuding with another ECW Legend Rob Van Dam in Impact.

#6 and #5 The Colons

The Colons may not have made much of an impact during their run in WWE, but they did hold the Tag Team Championships whilst part of the company.

Primo and Epico are currently wrestling for WWC in Puerto Rico, which is their family's own promotion. The two Superstars are cousin brothers and Primo is the real-brother of former WWE Superstar Carlito.

Rajah.com had reported in November:

Even though it hasn’t been announced yet by WWE, The Colons are reportedly done with the company and it is the reason why they weren’t on the recent WWE house show in San Juan."

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#4 Sin Cara

Jorge Arias, better known as Sin Cara to the WWE Universe was released by the company in December after having asked the company for his release.

Sin Cara had posted a message on Twitter a few days back revealing his intentions to leave the company. The Superstar had been part of the company for well-around 10 years but did not make much of an impact as he was mostly used as an enhancement talent.

Tom Colohue of SportsKeeda had reported that Sin Cara had rejected WWE's idea to make him join 205 Live during his career.

#3 and #2 The Ascension

Konnor and Viktor, collectively known as The Ascension were major names in NXT. While the two former NXT Tag Team Champions were considered one of the most dangerous teams on NXT, they were turned into comedy relief when they made their way to the main roster.

After not being seen on RAW or SmackDown in a long time, and mostly being featured on Main Event, the duo was finally let go by the company in December.

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#1 Luke Harper

The former Intercontinental Champion and Tag Team Champion has finally been granted release from the company after having requested for it back in April this year.

It was speculated that the company was furious with Luke Harper for posting his request for release on social media which was one of the reasons the company did not grant him freedom.

While the Superstar had been out with injury, he had been brought back for WrestleMania 35 and subsequently to aid long-time Tag Team partner Rowan in his feud against Roman Reigns.

While the wrestling world is buzzing with speculations regarding Harper's next move, it must be noted that all Superstars released have to first serve a 90-day no-compete clause.