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A year ago, WWE made significant changes to the roster, releasing several superstars who had spent years with the Stamford-based company. The main reason for their departure was never confirmed but was reported to be budget cuts, even though the wrestling juggernaut has signed several superstars over the past 12 months.
Back in September 2023, names like Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Dana Brooke, Elias, Top Dolla, Shelton Benjamin, Madcap Moss, Emma and others were let go. Some of them had a bigger role in the roster, others were making sporadic appearances.
Meanwhile, the departure of some of them was unexpected, as they were already getting involved in storylines, while others were let go, as the creative team had no plans for them.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the five top names that left the business a year ago and where they are now.
#5. Dana Brooke
Dana Brooke spent 10 years with WWE but never claimed the Women's Championship. She left as a 15-time 24/7 Champion and was more involved in the Women's Tag Team Division or mixed tag team action.
Before her departure, she was mostly used as an enhancement talent, having no active role on the main roster. Fast forward to today, she has moved to TNA, while working on individual circuits as well. She is currently the WSW Women's Champion, performing under the name Ash by Elegance.
#4. Elias
Elias moved to the Stamford-based company in 2014, but it took him three years before moving to the main roster. He became one of the top heels in the business, even though he never became a champion. His role diminished over his last few months with the Stamford-based company, last competing in the ring in May 2023.
After leaving WWE, he adopted a new ring name (Elijah) and is currently appearing on the indies, like the Wrestling Revolver.
#3. Shelton Benjamin
Shelton Benjamin was one of the veteran wrestlers in the locker room since his first appearance in WWE happened back in 2000. After his first stint (2000-2010), he left for seven years before coming back in 2017. His second stint wasn't as successful as his first one, which likely led to his release from WWE on September 21, 2023.
Like Elias, he has moved back to independent circuits, performing for Prestige Wrestling. Even though a return to WWE is not a likely scenario, he has hinted at a move to AEW.
#2. Mustafa Ali
His release came as a major surprise to the wrestling world since he was in the middle of a feud with Dominik Mysterio. The two would even face each other at NXT No Mercy, but WWE released him and removed him from the storyline.
During his seven years with the company, he emerged as a contender to the mid-card titles but failed to win either the Intercontinental or the United States Championship.
After leaving the company, he returned to the indies, competing for various promotions. He also had a stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling before moving to TNA, where he became the TNA X Division Champion, making history in his debut match.
He held the title for five months and went on to challenge Nic Nemeth (aka Dolph Ziggler) for the TNA World Championship. Following his defeat, he revealed that he would leave TNA.
#1. Dolph Ziggler
Maybe the top name that left WWE in September 2023 was Dolph Ziggler. He spent 19 years with the company, winning almost all the major titles. He became the Intercontinental Champion six times, the US Champion twice, and the World Heavyweight Champion also twice.
He was also a tag team champion a total of three times, while he won the NXT Championship once. He was frustrated with his role in WWE and his booking.
After leaving the company, he moved to indies, like World Wrestling Council, Game Changer Wrestling, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
He is also performing as Nic Nemeth for big-time promotions, like New Japan Pro-Wrestling and TNA. He is one of the top guys in TNA, as is the reigning TNA World Champion.
