5 Times WWE released a superstar midway through a storyline

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In this listicle, we will look at five times WWE released a superstar midway through a storyline.

#5. WWE veteran R-Truth

R-Truth is one of the most beloved WWE Superstars. With his comedic character, the veteran has created plenty of hilarious moments during his tenure. One of his iconic bits is referring to John Cena as his ‘Childhood Hero,’ despite being five years older than The Franchise Player.

Cena’s shocking heel turn last year hit R-Truth the hardest. The 54-year-old was not ready to believe that his hero would do such things. This led to a feud between the two after Backlash 2025. Cena and Truth faced off in a singles match at Saturday Night’s Main Event 39.

The Last Real Champion controversially defeated R-Truth at the event, which turned out to be the veteran’s final appearance of his second tenure. A week later, Truth announced that he had been released by the company. Due to the controversial nature of his match against Cena, the storyline had room to stretch past their first encounter.

However, R-Truth’s abrupt release put an end to those plans. The WWE Universe rallied online to bring the beloved star back, and he returned a week later at Money in the Bank 2025. There was a follow-up to the storyline, only because fans voiced their support for R-Truth, and he was brought back.

#4. Bray Wyatt

The late-great Bray Wyatt is considered to be one of the greatest minds to ever grace WWE. Wyatt portrayed several complex characters in the company. In late 2020, The Fiend began a rivalry with Randy Orton. Wyatt and Orton shared a storied history at that point, from The Viper’s time in The Wyatt Family and their singles match at WrestleMania 33.

The story continued, but this time, it was the sinister Fiend who was coming after Orton. The eerie star had Alexa Bliss in his corner, adding another layer to an already complex character. The bitter rivals collided at WrestleMania 37, and a shocking turn took place.

Bliss seemingly betrayed Wyatt, allowing Orton to pick up the win. On the following night, Little Miss Bliss claimed that she no longer needed The Fiend. The cheerful funhouse version of Bray returned and mentioned that he was excited for a fresh star. However, before the storyline could go any further, Wyatt was released from WWE.

#3. Mr. Kennedy

Mr. Kennedy was rising through the ranks in 2008, but a dislocated shoulder kept him out of action for several months. In May 2009, WWE started teasing his return to television. The star returned two weeks later, winning a 10-man tag team match.

However, just four days after his return, WWE released Kennedy. According to the star, Randy Orton complained to the management, claiming that he was an unsafe worker. During the 10-man tag team match, Kennedy performed a back suplex to Orton, but accidentally dropped him on his neck.

According to the former Money in the Bank winner, Orton persuaded John Cena to raise an issue with the company about Kennedy’s recklessness in the ring. This contributed to his abrupt release. The 50-year-old was one of the hottest stars of the company at that time, and had just returned from an injury. However, before he could build any momentum, WWE released him.

#2. Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan’s WWE career started from the inaugural season of NXT, when it was a competitive reality show with rookies paired up with pros. The American Dragon had a disastrous showing in the competition and was the first one to be eliminated.

The season one competitors of NXT invaded RAW on the June 7, 2010 episode, as part of a new stable called The Nexus. Bryan was with the group as they destroyed the ringside area. However, a couple of days later, The American Dragon was released from WWE.

During The Nexus’ invasion segment, Bryan attacked the ring announcer Justin Roberts. He choked Roberts with his own necktie, something that was out of line for the promotion’s policies. The group continued terrorizing the company without Bryan. The Leader of the YES Movement returned a few months later at SummerSlam 2010, joining Team WWE against The Nexus.

#1. Kairi Sane

Fans were taken aback after hearing the news of Kairi Sane a few days ago. The Pirate Princess was in the middle of an intriguing storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY.

After months of getting tortured by The Empress of Tomorrow, it appeared that Sane was about to stand up for herself. However, the Japanese star has been released from the company, leaving the storyline unfinished.