15 Recently Released WWE Stars “Where Are They Now?”

An issue many wrestlers have a hard time dealing with is what to do once their time with the WWE is up. This article features 15 recently released wrestlers and shows the different paths they took once they were released, or decided to quit the company. As you might imagine, most wrestlers stay in the business because of lack of opportunity; although for others, this is not the case. When one door closes another opens for some wrestlers. Despite their dreams (sometimes) being shattered, it is not the end of the road, as some attempt to improve their gimmicks and craft by wrestling for other companies. Some of the wrestlers in this list have done just that and have been very successful thus far. Others have taken other routes, away from the wrestling business. Some have found God and want to make a difference everyday in giving to the community, while others are simply retired, doing modelling work or instructing self defense classes. Let us now take a look at what these 15 recently released superstars are up to today. Enjoy!

15) Ted DiBiase Jr.: Entrepreneur

Despite a promising future, Ted DiBiase Jr. decided to leave the wrestling business after he fell out of love with it. DiBiase claimed he lost himself as a human being and couldn’t look at the person he had become in the mirror any longer. Despite all of his success and popularity, DiBiase was simply unhappy with the person he had become, so he decided to not resign with the WWE. A real gutsy move by Ted Jr. who had no real financial backing once his contract was up. He simply claims he found the lord and it was time to move on. Since leaving the WWE, DiBiase has been a great leader for various charities such as “Warrior Bonfire”, which is a non-profit organization aiding wounded veterans. DiBiase has also been extremely active with a number of other non-profit charitable organizations. Props to DiBiase for all his great charity work since leaving the pro wrestling business.

14) Kelly Kelly: Model

Going by the name Kelly Kelly (or her real name Barbra Blank), the former WWE Diva is now a full time model. You can look at her recent work through Kelly’s Instagram page under her new alias, Barbie Blank. Her most noticeable piece of modelling work was making the coveted cover of the renown Maxim magazine. The 28 year old is also available for bookings through her email.

13) Matt Striker: Commentator for Lucha Underground & Global Force Wrestling

Many were very surprised (including myself) when the WWE decided against extending the contract of Matt Striker, in June of 2013. Striker found himself in a promising role as a full time commentator for the WWE (a job he did in my view, better than most of the current commentators in the WWE today). Despite not being resigned, Striker quickly found work in the independent scene. He later signed on with “Lucha Underground” as a lead announcer. Striker also teamed up with the legendary voice of Jim Ross, as a part of a show which took place in the Tokyo Dome for Global Force Wrestling (Jeff Jarrett’s new wrestling promotion).

12) Derrick Bateman: Wrestler for TNA Wrestling

It’s not very often that the WWE passes on a young promising talent, but in this rare case, that’s precisely what they did. Hutter wrestled for NXT under the name of Derrick Bateman, and was coached by Daniel Bryan. Despite his potential, Hutter never caught heat in NXT and was later released from his contract in May of 2013. Although he was released, Hutter continued to work at a high level and eventually made his debut for TNA wrestling under the name of Ethan Carter III. Since debuting in October of 2013, Ethan is still remarkably undefeated. ECIII is set to take on Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at “Slammiversary.” This is definitely a chance for ECIII to be the new face of TNA. Kudos to Hutter for finding success outside of a WWE ring.

11) Jillian Hall: Available For Bookings

After a brief stay with TNA wrestling, Jillian decided to step away from the ring and announced her retirement on January 21st, 2014. Since she retired, Hall has been caught in a couple of unfortunate situations, one of which took place on April 10th, when Jillian was arrested for a DUI. Most recently, Hall was caught in another tough situation, when she was a victim of the “knockout game”. The vicious game is an attempt for a person to knockout a complete stranger with one punch. To Jillian’s credit, the attacker was not able to knockout the former WWE Diva and instead, ran away like a complete coward.

10) Drew McIntyre: Wrestles Independently & For TNA Wrestling

Despite being released from his contract with the WWE in June of 2014, Drew McIntyre, who now wrestles under his new alias Drew Galloway, focused on getting better as a performer and to not let his release end his dream of becoming a great pro wrestler. Drew took matters into his own hands and is currently working for various promotions, trying to create a legacy for himself as a wrestler outside of the WWE. In addition to wrestling for TNA, Galloway is also a part of Insane Championship Wrestling and Evolve Wrestling. Galloway is currently the champion for both promotions. Props to Drew for not letting his release get to him and working that much harder to perfect his craft as a pro wrestler.

9) Ashley Massaro: Autograph Sessions & Appearances

The 2005 Diva Search winner is still keeping busy in the world of wrestling by participating in autograph sessions and making appearances for various wrestling promotions. Just recently, Massaro took part in theLegends of Wrestling show which took place at Citi Field in New York. Massaro joined a star studded lineup featuring the likes of Goldberg, Rob Van Dam, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. Additionally, Massaro has kept busy modelling for Maxim, Flex and other magazines. She also appeared on the TV showSmallville and the reality show Survivor.

8) Davey Boy Smith Jr.: New Japan Pro Wrestling & Signed With Global Force Wrestling

Similarly to DiBiase Jr., David Smith failed to walk in his dad’s footsteps in the WWE. Though unlike DiBiase, Smith was released by the company. After leaving the WWE, Smith worked independently for a while before finding a permanent home with “New Japan Pro Wrestling”. It was just recently announced that Smith will be joining Jarrett’s new wrestling promotion Global Force Wrestling. The announcement was made official May 6th.

7) Gail Kim: Wrestles for TNA

Many wrestling fans were extremely displeased in seeing Gail Kim’s talents go to waste late in her run with the WWE. Kim not only quit the company, but vowed to never wrestle for the WWE again. The former WWE Diva felt as though her talent was being completely wasted. Kim would later rejoin TNA and show the WWE how wrong they were in releasing her. In 2012, Gail took home the honors for Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s top female wrestler in the world. In addition to this, Gail became the first ever TNA Knockout Champion and holds the longest title reign in promotions history.

6) Brodus Clay: Wrestles for TNA Under Tyrus

After being shipped back to NXT for repackaging, Brodus Clay never made it back to the main roster and in June of 2014, he was released by the WWE. The former WWE star later made his debut for TNA in September of 2014, under his new name and gimmick “Tyrus”. Under his new gimmick, Tyrus is being used as an ally for Ethan Carter III. The former WWE star also appeared as the voice of “Danye East” for the YouTube cartoon series Trashville.

5) Eve Torres: Head Instructor of Gracie Women Empowered Self-Defense Program

In January of 2013, Eve Torres wrestled her final match for the WWE. Despite speculation that she was released, it was later determined that Eve asked for a release the previous month. Her reason for leaving the company was so she could focus full time on her new venture, the “Gracie Women Empowered Self-Defense Program”. This program was inspired by her husband Rener Gracie, a 4th degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt. The program is doing extremely well, though Torres is set to take some time off after it was announced the couple are expecting their first child in September.

4) Evan Bourne: Wrestles Independently

Many wrestling fans were very displeased to learn about Evan Bourne’s dismissal from the WWE. A big reason for his release was due to the fact that the high flyer failed drug tests on two different occasions. After his release Bourne returned to the indy scene under his new name, Matt Sydal. The former WWE Tag team champion has worked for numerous promotions since leaving; promotions such as Dragon Gate, Ring of Honor and Family Wrestling Entertainment.

3) Maryse Ouellet: Actress

Maryse Ouellet now goes by her new name, Maryse Mizanin. Maryse married WWE star Mike Mizanin (aka “The Miz”), in late February of 2014. The couple currently lives together in Los Angeles. Maryse has been focusing on an acting career and making appearances for television and radio shows. The native of Montreal, Quebec, is currently working on two films: Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and Karla. She also does realtor work on the side after earning her real estate license.

2) Chavo Guerrero: Wrestling for Lucha Underground

In June of 2011, Chavo Guerrero decided it was time to move on and requested a release from the company. Chavo worked independently and later joined TNA wrestling. In 2014, Chavo joined Chikara wrestling and later Lucha Underground. After some time off, Chavo just recently returned to Lucha on June 10th by defeating Blue Demon Jr., the same wrestler that Chavo lost to on the debut episode of Lucha Underground.

1) Rey Mysterio: Wrestles for AAA

After Rey Mysterio’s contract had expired it was finally time for both parties to move on. Five days after his release, Mysterio made his long awaited return to AAA. Mysterio signed a deal with the promotion for the first time since 1995, where Mysterio also decided to change his name back to Rey Mysterio Jr. Controversy quickly struck Mysterio after a shocking death to Perro Aguayo, which occurred in the ring after taking a “619”. The autoposy showed that the wrestler had a heart attack after breaking his neck in the ring from Rey’s finisher. Mysterio took the news very badly and almost quit the wrestling business for good. Mysterio later returned, despite the horrific event and teamed with the “dream team” which featured former WWE star Alberto Del Rio, Myzteziz and himself. The trio defeated former WWE stars Matt Hardy, Mr.Anderson and Johnny Mundo (aka John Morrison) in the finals of the Lucha Libre World Cup Tournament. The event recently took place on May 24th. Check out Rey Mysterio’s new “Terminator” looking mask that undoubtedly gives the high flying superstar an edgy look.

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