5 of WWE's most shocking releases of 2021

Another calendar year is coming to an end for the WWE Universe, and it's been a tumultuous ride for anyone even remotely associated with the world's leading professional wrestling promotion.

A key reason for this uncertainty and bewilderment is related to releases - the official departure of a wrestler, producer, referee, or anyone connected to the business. The reasons vary from case to case, but contract disputes and a direct conflict of interest are common grounds.

The coronavirus pandemic brought significant changes to the active WWE roster as Vince McMahon had to let some valuable assets go as a cost-cutting measure. 2020 saw the departure of Rusev, Erick Rowan, the Revival, Zelina Vega, Cain Velasquez, Kurt Angle, among others.

This year had an exceptionally long list of releases, some of which took the fans completely off-guard owing to their spontaneous nature. Due to its protracted nature, there are several honorable mentions to note:

• Buddy Murphy
• Lana
• Andrade
• Ric Flair

Let's look at five of the most shocking releases of the year 2021.

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#5 Big Show and WWE parted ways in February 2021

The Big Show was a vital asset throughout his long tenure.

When it comes to longevity, loyalty, and power, few men can match the World's Largest Athlete - The Big Show. For nearly three decades, the multi-time world champion was a constant feature of WWE programming.

Fans and WWE management may have had their differences with the Giant from time to time, but it was a cordial relationship. Show was a valued, trusted, and widely respected athlete who held a fine place in everyone's heart. Consequently, his unfortunate departure in early February was a startling and disheartening experience for the entire wrestling community. The seven-foot monster's final official appearance was on the January 4th edition of RAW for Legends night.

After all, the veteran had spent 22 years with Vince McMahon's global franchise, and it made sense for him to ride off into the sunset in WWE.

However, as he later revealed, Show had reasons to leave his second home for AEW.

He cited creative frustrations as the biggest reason for the surprising transition. WWE used Show as a stepping stone and a spare hand to put over young talent in his final years.

The veteran felt that he had more to offer to the wrestling business and desired a more active role that involved competing with the modern generation's cream of the crop. As Vince McMahon showed little enthusiasm in this regard, the World's Largest Athlete decided to find a new playground to deliver some knock-out blows.

#4 WWE released Aleister Black on June 2, 2021

Aleister Black had a mystical character.

WWE let one of its finest talents, Aleister Black, go during a mass release of talented individuals in the mid-year round of layoffs. The shocking element was the realization that Black had recently debuted a new persona on SmackDown after a long hiatus.

The ominous man from Amsterdam assaulted Big E during a Fatal-Four Way IC Championship match on the May 21 edition of SmackDown, starting a feud between the two former NXT Champions. Two weeks later, Black was released from his contract, and the WWE Universe was utterly puzzled with the thought process behind the entire sequence of events.

The announcement took the Dutch Destroyer by surprise as he voiced his concerns on Twitter while thanking everyone for his opportunities in WWE.

Reportedly, there were multiple reasons for Black's appalling departure. One explanation was connected to the star's issues with the creative team towards his tenure. Another suggested that Vince McMahon didn't understand the former NXT Champion's wrestling style, and the CEO of WWE decided to release him.

Unlike most cases where there is a 90-day non-compete clause, Black jumped ship to AEW within 30 days of his release.

Aleister Black was a missed opportunity as he brought so much to the table. It's a shame that WWE couldn't make good use of the Dutch Destroyer's innumerable talents.

#3 WWE released the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman, on June 3, 2021

Braun Strowman was an invincible force.

Braun Strowman is a pure WWE creation; the foundation for his professional wrestling career was laid there, and management had given him much attention during his stint.

The Monster Among Men was one of the few stars to lead the company through the darkest days of the pandemic when its most prominent stars were unavailable. He had a monster-sized, no pun-intended, influence on the main roster and was a constant feature on WWE programming. Hence, when fans learned the heart-aching news that Strowman was being released due to budget cuts, Twitter went into a frenzy.

The fact that Strowman was in a high-profile Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship just a mere two weeks ago added to all the chaos.

Moreover, it looked as if WWE was building Strowman up as a credible threat once again. After all, he convincingly defeated Shane McMahon, far from a pushover talent, at WrestleMania 37.

The motive behind the decision remains ambiguous. An interesting explanation stated that Strowman was making a million dollars each year, and as Erick Rowan insinuated, big-money contracts can make you a liability in certain situations.

Many have pointed out that the former Universal Champion made a mistake while negotiating his deal in 2019.

#2 WWE released 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt on July 31, 2021

The Fiend was a wonderful character beloved by all.

WWE has dropped the ball with many talented individuals in the past, and Bray Wyatt was, unfortunately, one to suffer a similar fate.

Wyatt was an exception in that he found a way to make a name for himself through character re-invention, despite consistent backstage support.

The WWE Universe had immeasurable love for the former Universal Champion, who can find unique and entertaining ways to express himself.

'The Fiend' gimmick and the FireFly FunHouse were overwhelmingly popular with fans, and the credit falls on Wyatt's shoulders. So it was difficult to be a wrestling fan on July 31, 2021, when Vince McMahon released Wyatt.

Twitter erupted in sheer fury, disappointment, and gloom as fans took to social media to voice their grievances with the shocking announcement. WWE Superstars came out to support their friend, who was reportedly going through a rough phase in life.

While Wyatt and WWE maintained a healthy relationship over the years, it turned sour during the final months of his tenure. The leader of the eerie Wyatt Family was outspoken about the creative direction of his character, causing a rift to develop between Wyatt and Vince McMahon.

#1 WWE released Jeff Hardy on December 9, 2021

Jeff Hardy was released earlier on in the month.

The WWE Universe was left feeling pure anxiety and depression when their hero, Jeff Hardy, was released in early December. This is the latest, and probably the most crushing, addition to this list.

Unlike the other names on this list, budget cuts, contractual disputes, and creative frustrations had little to do with the decision.

Instead, the unfortunate circumstances left all three parties in a predicament. On a house show a couple of weeks back, Hardy walked out of an ongoing match and was sent home as he was having a "rough night." The following week, he was quietly moved to the alumni section after declining a rehab offer from WWE.

The Charismatic Enigma was finally getting a mini-push on television as he was being groomed for a match with Roman Reigns down the line at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view or upcoming Saudi Arabia special. The release brought an end to those plans.

While watching Hardy in the ring is always a pleasure, his health, safety, and welfare are everyone's top priority. Hence, the WWE Universe and locker room came out to support the legend, hoping that he could fight through his troubles once again.

Who do you think was the most shocking WWE release of 2021? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.