10 Wrestlers Who Transformed Their Careers By Leaving WWE

By Daniel Wylie / January 15, 2021

WWE in 2020 was dominated by one man: Drew McIntyre. In battling through the global pandemic, while channelling Mel Gibson’s two most memorable characters (Braveheart and “Mad” Max), McIntyre captured the WWE Championship twice and was voted by fans as Superstar of the Year. He became “The Scot That Runs the Lot”, until someone suggested he workshop a better nickname.

What makes McIntyre’s accomplishments so poignant is the struggle which led to his position as a top-guy. His initial WWE run saw him go from “The Chosen One” to future endeavours. He returned to the indies to rebuild himself before signing with TNA and becoming a World Champion. Though these years were no doubt hard for McIntyre, and unjust in terms of his immense talent, they no doubt contributed to the greatness he displays today.

Whether a wrestler leaves the promised land of WWE by choice or force, their egos are bound to be bruised, their dreams shattered. However, there is hope. Talent is not defined by a contract and has many arenas to be showcased. Free from the shackles of WWE’s brand of sports entertainment, former jobbers and mid-carders can become major stars.

10. Pac

Pac was one of the first to be afflicted by what has now become a pro-wrestling trope - the decorated NXT superstar who moves to the main roster only to have their stock plummet so quick Dotcom bankruptees would sympathise. He was also one of the first call-ups to have their ring name stunted, going from Adrian Neville to plain Neville. Not that either names were marquee worthy.

Neville debuted on the main roster clad in a purple cape. Despite winning a Slammy for Breakout Star of the Year, the closest he came to breaking out was during a feud with Stardust in which he teamed with Arrow actor Stephen Amell.

Neville showed promise as a heel Cruiserweight champion. However, after dropping the title to Enzo Amore, and being asked to lose the rematch, Neville walked out of WWE. Soon after, Pac would debut in AEW.

He was able to show his excellence as a heel and embrace his “The B*stard” gimmick, making Pac as compelling out of the ring as in it. After being sidelined due to the pandemic, Pac made his return reuniting with his Death Triangle stablemates Rey Fénix and Pentagon Jr.