10 Wrestlers WWE Regret Releasing

Had Hulk Hogan not signed for WCW in 1994, there’s a strong chance the Monday Night Wars would never have happened. His heel turn and subsequent union with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall as the New World Order was vital in turning the tides in WCW’s favour and securing 84 weeks of consecutive ratings dominance. They were the catalyst, and while Hogan remains a controversial and divisive WCW figure, his turn was perfectly executed.

WWE initially released Hogan in 1993. His superhero babyface act had run its course, and by the time he robbed Yokozuna of the WWE Championship at King of the Ring, much of the audience were sick of him. Vince McMahon reportedly told Hogan that he wanted to push younger, more dynamic wrestlers ahead of him, and decided it wasn't worth matching Ted Turner's giant contract offer to retain 'The Hulkster.'

In retrospect, it would have been worth keeping hold of Hulk just to spite the competition. WWE were in deep trouble as WCW surged ahead of them, and much of this could have been avoided had Hogan not defected. They eventually won the war, and Hogan returned to the company, but while retaining Hulk would have likely created its own set of problems, much hardship could have been avoided if he wasn't let go.