5 Times WWE Cleaned House & Gutted Their Roster
The untimely releases and furloughs of this week isn't the first time WWE has been down this road...
4. November 2004
By this time, Ohio Valley Wrestling had been funnelling more and more "graduates" to WWE's main roster for more than two years, and, coupled with the apparent need to sign a number of Diva Search runner-ups, the two brands were getting a little bloated.
Two weeks before Survivor Series, WWE remedied the glut by releasing a dozen performers, including veterans like Billy Gunn, Test, A-Train, and Chuck Palumbo. Others like Rodney Mack, Rico, and Johnny Stamboli were among the departing, as was Lamont, the former butler of Ernest Miller.
On the women's side, the influx of Diva Search contestants meant two Tough Enough winners were axed: Nidia and Shaniqua (Linda Miles). Former Women's champions Jazz and Gail Kim were also released.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
