Professional wrestling’s biggest stage, WWE, is known not only for its high-octane action but also for its fluctuating roster landscape. Over the years, multiple WWE Superstars have experienced the unusual fate of being released by the company more than once, only to find their way back again—sometimes multiple times. This revolving door reflects both the volatility of WWE’s business strategies and the persistence of the wrestlers themselves, reshaping what it means to have a career in sports entertainment.

Among the many names caught in this cycle, stars like Luke Gallows, Drake Maverick, and Braun Strowman stand out, showing that departures from WWE are not always permanent and that comebacks remain very much a possibility.

Luke Gallows: A Triple Release Story

One of the most emblematic examples of multiple WWE releases is Luke Gallows, who has been released three times by WWE. His initial departure came in November 2010 shortly after splitting from the Straight Edge Society, a stable led by CM Punk. He returned to WWE, only to be released again during the pandemic-related budget cuts in April 2020. His third release came in early 2025, following a stint that began with the reboot of WWE’s talent re-signings under Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s leadership starting in fall 2022[1].

According to Fightful and WWE official reports, Gallows’ multiple releases notably mirror the corporate shifts within WWE, where budgetary demands and creative directions have frequently reshuffled the roster[2]. Gallows’ journey showcases not just resilience but also WWE’s unpredictable talent management climate.

Drake Maverick: The Inspirational Comeback King

Another remarkable case is Drake Maverick, who was released during the pandemic cuts in April 2020 but was eventually brought back. His return story is especially poignant because it highlighted the human side of WWE’s release process. Maverick’s inspiring video about his career and perseverance received significant attention from wrestling podcasts and interviews in the community, emphasizing how talent can rebound after setbacks[2].

Maverick’s releases and returns underscore the challenges faced by WWE’s mid-card talents, especially during periods of financial tightening, while also reinforcing that WWE sometimes reverses decisions based on fan response and company needs.

Braun Strowman: From Release to Potential Return

A high-profile example of multiple releases is Braun Strowman, whose second departure in May 2025 was reportedly driven by WWE’s need to cut costs despite his continued popularity. According to insider sources cited in wrestling news outlets and podcasts, this was not a performance-related decision but purely financial[4]. Strowman, who endured wrestling with 15% paralysis in his left leg during his second run, remains an audience favorite. Sources close to WWE reveal the company is considering a part-time return for Strowman within the next year, leveraging his star power for major shows even without full-time contracts[4].

This development exemplifies WWE’s complex balancing act between talent management and budget restrictions, especially with top-tier performers.

Other Notable Multiple Releases: Emma, Mickie James, and More

Beyond these marquee names, the history of WWE includes other wrestlers who have been released multiple times. Names like Emma, Mickie James, the Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar), Shelton Benjamin, and Road Dogg have cycled through dismissals and returns throughout their careers[1]. Mickie James, for example, has had a storied career characterized by repeated departures and triumphant comebacks, often returning to WWE or moving between WWE and other promotions like Impact Wrestling.

This pattern reflects both WWE’s talent depth and the challenging nature of wrestling contracts, where fitness, creative direction, and company needs can change rapidly. It also highlights that some wrestlers have learned to navigate this instability by maintaining relevance and flexibility outside WWE.

The Pandemic Impact and The New Era of Releases

Starting in 2020, WWE’s roster releases increased significantly, partially due to COVID-19’s financial impact. Mass cuts in 2020 and subsequent years affected many wrestlers, leading to multiple waves of releases that included veterans and newcomers alike[2][3]. According to sources like Fightful and internal WWE reports, these cuts were often sudden and extensive, leaving some talents on the outside only to be brought back later during Triple H’s leadership era.

The fluctuating NXT landscape and the transition phases WWE has undergone in recent years — including its shifts in developmental strategies and fluctuating creative directions — have further contributed to repeated releases and re-signings.

Behind the Scenes: Why WWE Re-Employs Released Stars

Industry insiders and backstage reports reveal WWE’s rationale for re-signing previously released wrestlers can vary widely:

• Fan demand and popularity: Wrestlers with strong fanbases, like Braun Strowman, are often considered valuable enough to bring back on part-time deals or special events[4].

• Creative realignment: New management teams, especially under Triple H, have aimed to re-establish certain talents to fit evolving creative projects[1].

• Economic efficiency: Sometimes WWE lets a wrestler go due to initial budget constraints but re-hires them on more financially viable terms[2].

• Talent development and homegrown appeal: Some former talents can return as mentors or part of developmental projects, contributing experience outside of active competition[3].

What This Means for WWE Talent and Fans

For wrestlers, multiple releases test their resilience, adaptability, and dedication to the craft. For instance, Luke Gallows’ and Drake Maverick’s careers illustrate that perseverance can lead to renewed opportunities in WWE or elsewhere.

For fans, this revolving door can be a roller coaster, generating surprise returns and debuts but also uncertainty about the longevity of their favorite stars.

The dynamic nature of WWE’s roster management reflects broader trends in the wrestling industry, where talent mobility between WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling, and the independent circuit remains fluid.

Final Thoughts: A Small Wrestling World With Big Moves

The phenomenon of wrestlers being released multiple times by WWE underscores the volatile yet captivating nature of professional wrestling. According to WWE.com and reports from Fightful and various wrestling podcasts, this cycle is likely to continue as WWE balances business pressures with entertainment imperatives[1][2][4].

As fans, understanding the business behind the spectacle deepens appreciation for the resilience of WWE Superstars who navigate the highs and lows of contracts, creative decisions, and fan expectations. The stories of those like Gallows, Maverick, and Strowman remind us that in WWE, the journey is often just as thrilling as the destination.