5 Released NXT Wrestlers Who Came Back Better Than Ever (& 5 Who Never Returned)

NXT might have become one of the top brands in professional wrestling, but it is still very much a proving ground as far as WWE is concerned. Because of that, certain wrestlers have ended up being cut from the black-and-gold brand over time, getting released for various reasons.

Some wrestlers are able to come back stronger than ever and achieve major success within the company once again. However, other wrestlers that have been released from the brand have never returned, with some struggling to adapt after WWE, and others going on to have huge success elsewhere.

10 Came Back Better: LA Knight

LA Knight is one of NXT's newest wrestlers, and he has returned to be showcased as one of the big stars in the company. However, he had to go away in order to make that happen, having been released back when he was working as Slate Randall.

He went away as Eli Drake and proved himself to be a top-tier talent. His promos alone became a big talking point, especially within the NWA, which is why he has been given plenty of opportunities since returning to WWE.

9 Never Returned: CJ Parker

During his time in NXT, CJ Parker was never one of the top stars in the company, however, he was somebody that was used frequently. He was given several highlighted spots, mainly to put over new stars, but he never quite got the shining moment he needed.

Because of that, his release wasn't a huge surprise. However, he has gone on to have huge success in New Japan Pro Wrestling as Juice Robinson, and because of that, he hasn't returned to where it all began.

8 Came Back Better: EC3

Originally working as Derrick Bateman, things didn't work perfectly for him the first time around in WWE. He was let go and he then thrived in IMPACT Wrestling, earning his way back to the company.

The second time around, as EC3, he was featured as a top star in NXT. He got huge reactions and had an obvious upside, and while things didn't go to plan on his main roster run, it's clear that he returned better the second time around.

7 Never Returned: Judas Devlin

Judas Devlin was another star who never really got the chance to prove himself in NXT. He was used as an enhancement talent to put others over, but nowadays that isn't a name that people are aware of at all.

That's because he didn't return to WWE. Instead, he went on to become Luchasaurus, carving out a niche for himself with a fresh gimmick that has seen him become a huge part of AEW.

6 Came Back Better: Kassius Ohno

While Kassius Ohno didn't get the main event push his talent deserved when he returned to WWE, he did come back as a better talent. He was physically different, but in the ring, he was a much better wrestler, and his overall character was far more impressive.

The fact he was used regularly and became a featured part of NXT UK is proof that the company believed in him and what they saw from his work.

5 Never Returned: Deonna Purrazzo

Deonna Purrazzo was part of the 2020 releases during the COVID-19 pandemic that shocked a lot of fans. However, Deonna took that opportunity and ran with it, reminding everyone just how talented she is.

Deonna went on to join IMPACT Wrestling. Since then, she has been one of the top stars within the Knockouts Division, winning the Knockouts Championship, and showing no signs of wanting a WWE return.

4 Came Back Better: Drake Maverick

Drake Maverick was an interesting case for WWE, as he was released by the company, but then he continued to work on a freelance basis. He had already been announced for the tournament to crown an interim Cruiserweight Champion, so he was kept on.

However, when he returned to make those appearances, he came back with a fire in him, so much so that the WWE Universe rallied behind him to the point where WWE had to keep him.

3 Never Returned: Richie Steamboat

The situation surrounding Richie Steamboat is a little different to most other wrestlers who have been released by WWE while they worked in NXT. He was released due to an injury, which is one that actually stopped him from wrestling.

It's a huge shame because, during FCW, Steamboat was seen as one of the top stars in the company who was rising high. There were big expectations for him within the company, but sadly injuries stopped that progress.

2 Came Back Better: Percy Watson

When Percy Watson was first showcased in WWE, it was as a professional wrestler. He had tons of charisma, but he didn't quite connect on the second season of the NXT game show, or when he returned to FCW and later NXT.

Percy ended up being released. But several years later, he was brought back to the company. Watson came back as a commentator, and it was a role he thrived in. Sadly, Watson made the decision to cut his second spell short, but this time it was his decision, despite being an excellent commentator.

1 Never Returned: Jordan Myles

Jordan Miles (aka ACH) being interviewed backstage at NXT

Considering how Jordan Myles' WWE tenure came to an end, it is absolutely no surprise that he hasn't returned to the company. Myles felt that he was a victim of racism with his merchandise, and he hit out against the company publicly.

It was clear that the two parties wouldn't be able to co-exist, and Myles ended up being released and he is someone who won't ever return. It's a shame how things worked out, as Myles is a serious talent, but it is easy to see why he made the decision he did.

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