10 Wrestlers WWE Regret Releasing

7. Shelton Benjamin

Wrestle Kingdom 11 Kenny Omega Vs Kazuchika Okada
WWE.com

Looking back on it today, Shelton Benjamin’s 2010 WWE release was entirely pointless. ‘The Gold Standard’ was never going to be WWE Championship material, but he was one of the most athletic wrestlers in the world in his prime. When motivated, Benjamin was an outstanding human highlight reel, an exciting midcard presence, and somebody who all but guaranteed a great match when paired with the right opponent.

Shelton joined Ring Of Honor after leaving WWE, then transitioned to Japan, where he developed a slower, more methodical style of wrestling. WWE tried to bring him back for the brand split in 2016, but the medical exam revealed a torn rotator cuff, and having only recently been cleared to compete again, Benjamin has found himself back on the independent circuit.

WWE’s 2016 approach shows that they probably realise that releasing Benjamin was a mistake in the first place. Even at 41 years old, he’d still make a great roster addition in 2017, and if WWE have a spot to fill on Raw or SmackDown, they could do a lot worse than bringing Shelton back and rectifying what has proven to be an ill-advised 2010 release.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.