Every WWE Release Of 2021 - Where Are They Now? (Five Years Later)

Then: Trusty veteran Mercedes Martinez dipped a toe into WWE waters by way of Mae Young Classic goodness before signing a full-time deal in early 2020. She was deployed in a 'stable hand' role on NXT before being called up to be part of the ill-fated Retribution (or RETRIBUTION for the shouty ones out there) faction, but it didn't last long.

Reportedly, it was Martinez herself who wanted out of the wonky faction so she could return to developmental. Clearly, she felt more comfortable there than rocking a crap mask on episodes of Raw and SmackDown. Mercedes was released on 6 August 2021 whilst out rehabbing an injury.

Now: Like WWE, Martinez already had experience of AEW life before she signed a full-time deal. It was a true 'try before you buy' situation in both major companies, which not many workers can say. Mercedes appeared for All Elite in 2019 before heading to NXT, then rejoined the promotion after leaving WWE in 2021.

Again, she found herself on the developmental wing. Sort of. ROH became AEW's version of NXT to most, and Mercedes bagged the group's Women's Title in May 2022 (shortly after Tony Khan had seized control of Honor). She'd stay #AllElite until 2026, but has only wrestled a few matches on the independents this year since departing.

At 45, Martinez probably doesn't have another run in WWE or AEW to look forward to, but she's a well-respected vet who could come in handy as a trainer or mentor behind the scenes someday. Of course, that wholly depends on what she fancies doing.