10 Most Heartbreaking WWE Releases Ever
9. Heath Slater
It hit like a gut-punch when Monday Night Raw went live and Heath Slater’s signature grin was nowhere to be found. After 14 years—from Nexus invader to Three Man Band instigator and that “I Got Kids!” call-for-arms—his departure arrived in the former of a future endeavors message from WWE, denying fans and colleagues the heartfelt farewell he’d earned.
Slater embodied underdog loyalty. His timing and charisma elevated partners like Rhyno and Jinder Mahal, and just when it seemed his steady climb might culminate in singles gold—WWE pulled the rug without warning.
Backstage reaction was brutal. McIntyre admitted he broke down upon hearing the news, insisting Heath was more than a teammate. Dolph Ziggler confessed the Performance Center felt barren without Slater’s infectious energy. Even Jinder Mahal reminded everyone that 3MB wouldn’t have cult status without Heath’s hype man magic.
Then, on July 6, 2020, Slater returned for one final Raw appearance—reuniting with McIntyre in a tear-jerking moment that closed this chapter. It proved some performers transcend championships. They live in the audience’s heartbeats and deserve more than a fleeting announcement. Heath Slater remains WWE’s truest underdog—and its most unforgettable.