10 Wrestlers Who Revived Their Careers On The Indies

10. Evan Bourne

A dazzling high-flyer whose incredible athleticism made him a big hit among WWE fans, Evan Bourne was with the company for seven years prior to his 2014 release. Unfortunately, he was never able to ascend beyond midcard status, and incurred two Wellness Policy violations throughout his stint. A serious car accident saw him removed from programming in March 2012, and he was let go without re-appearing on television two years later.

Bourne was already a celebrated independent wrestling talent by the time he signed with WWE, and reverted to his old ring name at his release. 'Reborn' Matt Sydal re-emerged in Dragon Gate USA, having wrestled just a single match since 2012, and was soon blazing through promotions like PWG and ROH en route to a stunning career renaissance.

He resumed his role as one of the indies’ hottest commodities, and while Sydal was recently let go by NJPW, he debuted with Impact Wrestling last month, having concluded his ROH contract.

Early signs suggest he’ll play a prominent role in his new employers’ resurgent X Division, and while age (and injuries) have curbed his high-risk style somewhat, Sydal has ultimately benefited from his WWE release.