12 Wrestlers Who Benefited From Their WWE Release

6. Bobby Lashley

Drax Batista 2
Bellator

Bobby Lashley had a solid mid/late-2000s run in WWE and was heavily pushed as United States Champion, ECW Champion, and a potential WWE Championship contender.

His inclusion might seem odd for these reasons, and Lashley definitely finds himself in a less visible position today than 10 years, but his skills have improved immensely, and the Bobby Lashley of 2016 is a far more compelling performer than the Bobby Lashley of 2006.

Leaving WWE has given Lashley the freedom to indulge in his ambitions as an MMA fighter. He’s established a 14-2 record for organisations like Bellator and Strikeforce, and currently sits atop America’s second biggest promotion as TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

TNA might not be doing so well these days, but personal freedom trumps all as far as Lashley is concerned.

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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.