8 WWE Dropouts Who Revived Their Careers
7. Athena
The Ember Moon character in WWE was a confusing package throughout her tenure with the company. The in-ring work was always of the highest caliber, but her presentation leaned into gothic aesthetics without ever truly committing to the gimmick. Across six years, she would have the high of a 140-day reign as NXT Women's Champion, but would suffer from largely indifferent booking.
When witnessing the incredible job that she's done in building her Athena character since leaving WWE, it's truly remarkable that this electric performer was reduced to moments like being eliminated by Lana in a Women's Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35 after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off. After being let go in 2022, Athena spent a few solid months in AEW before finding herself in Ring Of Honor.
Dubbed 'The Forever Champion', Athena has been the Ring Of Honor Women's Champion for approaching three straight years. During this time, she has built a reputation as a legitimate badass, and this stellar reign has meant that whenever she appears on AEW television, she feels like a credible threat to the likes of Mercedes Mone, Toni Storm, and anyone else who dares to get in her way.