12 Wrestlers Who Benefited From Their WWE Release

8. Evan Bourne

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WWE.com

A dazzling crowd-pleaser who ran afoul of WWE’s strict Wellness Policy one too many times, the former Evan Bourne’s stock has never been higher on the independent scene.

Returning to the smaller stages after his 2013 release, and embarking upon a long period of soul-searching and self-discovery, he returned to his old ring name, Matt Sydal, and blazed through promotions like PWG, Ring Of Honor, and Dragon Gate en route to his NJPW debut in 2015.

Sydal’s wrestling style remains as breathtaking as ever, and while age has forced him to slow down a notch, he has compensated by adopting a more careful, methodical approach in-between the Shooting Star Presses and suicide dives. Sydal and his partner Ricochet are one of the most exciting teams in the business today.

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Channel Manager

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.