The WWE universe is no stranger to shocking twists and turns. Still, one of the most controversial aspects of the industry is its tendency to release talented female wrestlers for dubious reasons. From Mandy Rose’s sudden departure to Paige’s heartbreaking retirement, these women have faced hardships inside and outside the ring. In this blog post, we’ll explore the stories behind eight women fired from WWE under questionable circumstances. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we delve into their struggles and triumphs!
Mandy Rose
Mandy Rose is one of the most recognizable faces in WWE. She was a contestant on Tough Enough, finishing second and earning a spot on the main roster. Mandy made her debut with NXT before moving up to the main roster as part of Absolution.
However, in 2021, Mandy was released from WWE along with several other wrestlers. Her departure came as a surprise to many fans. While there hasn’t been any official statement regarding why Mandy was fired, some speculate that it may have been due to budget cuts or creative differences.
Regardless of what led to her release, there’s no denying that Mandy had plenty of potential and talent. She captivated audiences with her stunning looks and impressive athleticism in the ring.
Throughout her time at WWE, Mandy had numerous memorable moments, such as feuds with Naomi and Sonya Deville. She even competed in WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal in 2019.
Despite being let go by WWE, there’s no doubt that we haven’t seen the last of Mandy Rose yet. Many fans eagerly anticipate where she’ll end up next and what kind of impact she’ll make outside of WWE.
Zahra Schreiber
Zahra Schreiber was a talented wrestler and model who joined WWE in 2014. She quickly caught the attention of fans with her impressive skills inside the ring, but unfortunately, her career was cut short due to controversial social media posts.
In August 2015, several offensive photos were discovered on Schreiber’s Instagram account, including one featuring a swastika. Despite apologizing and claiming that she had no intention of promoting hate or racism, WWE released her from her contract shortly after.
While some argued that Schreiber’s termination was justified given the nature of the posts, others criticized WWE for being too quick to fire someone without giving them a chance to learn from their mistakes.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, it’s clear that Zahra Schreiber could have gone on to achieve great things in WWE if given the opportunity. Unfortunately, such a promising career had to end under such dubious circumstances.
Emma
Emma, whose real name is Tenille Dashwood, was a prominent wrestler in WWE’s women’s division. She first debuted in 2012 as part of the NXT brand and later joined the main roster on Raw.
Despite her popularity with fans, Emma was released by WWE in October 2017 for undisclosed reasons. However, it was speculated that her release might have been due to her involvement in an online store selling unauthorized merchandise.
After leaving WWE, Emma continued wrestling on the independent circuit and made a name for herself under her real name. She also appeared in major promotions, such as Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling.
In addition to wrestling, Emma has also dabbled in acting and modeling. She starred in a short film called “The Siege” and posed for several magazines, including Maxim Australia.
Despite not being able to achieve much success during her time at WWE, Emma remains a fan favorite among wrestling enthusiasts around the world.
Summer Rae
Summer Rae, whose real name is Danielle Moinet, was a professional wrestler who joined WWE in 2011. She started as the ring announcer but eventually became an in-ring talent.
Rae’s career highlight came when she partnered with Fandango and formed the dance duo “Fandango & Summer Rae.” They were popular among fans, especially for their ballroom dancing-inspired entrance routine.
Despite her popularity, Rae’s run with WWE was short-lived. In 2017, she was released by the company along with several other talents. The reason behind her release remains unclear to this day.
After leaving WWE, Rae appeared on reality shows such as Total Divas and Lucha Underground. She has also pursued acting and modeling opportunities outside of wrestling.
While her time in WWE may have been brief, Summer Rae left a lasting impression on fans during her tenure. Her charisma and talent are undeniable factors that make many wonder what could have been if given more time to shine in the squared circle.
Mickie James
Mickie James is a former WWE Women’s Champion, which the company released in April 2021. She returned to WWE in 2016 after a six-year absence and was initially used as an enhancement talent before being given a prominent role on SmackDown Live.
James was let go from WWE despite her successful career due to ageism. In an episode of Raw Talk following WrestleMania 37, she revealed that her belongings were sent to her in a trash bag with a note saying “budget cut.” This disrespectful treatment sparked outrage among fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
James has since received overwhelming support from the wrestling community, including offers from other companies such as NWA and AEW. Her experience sheds light on the ongoing issue of ageism in professional wrestling and highlights the need for change within the industry.
It’s unfortunate that someone as talented and respected as Mickie James would be treated so poorly by their employer. However, seeing her resilience in the face of adversity and how she continues to thrive outside of WWE is inspiring.
Maria Kanellis
Maria Kanellis is a professional wrestler, actress, singer, and model who worked for WWE from 2004 to 2010. She debuted on the Raw brand as a contestant in the “Divas Search” reality show and later became a valet for Santino Marella.
Due to budget cuts, Kanellis and several other wrestlers were released from WWE in February 2010. However, she returned to the company in June 2017 alongside her real-life husband, Mike Bennett, as part of the SmackDown Live roster.
During her second stint with WWE, Kanellis did not have much success regarding wins and losses. Still, she made an impact with her outspoken personality and controversial storylines. In particular, she played the controlling wife who emasculated her husband on-screen while promoting female empowerment off-screen.
Despite receiving praise from fans and critics alike for her character work, Kanellis was let go by WWE again on April 15th, 2020, as part of another round of budget cuts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has since been wrestling on the independent circuit alongside Bennett under their brand “The Kingdom.”
Paige
Paige is one of the most controversial women to have left WWE in recent years. She was a promising young talent with a unique look and style that made her stand out. However, Paige’s career crashed due to several incidents outside the ring.
In 2017, explicit photos and videos of Paige were leaked online without her consent. This caused immense embarrassment and shame for Paige, who had already been suspended twice by WWE for violating their wellness policy.
Despite these setbacks, Paige tried to make a comeback but was forced to retire in 2018 due to a neck injury sustained during a match. This marked an unfortunate end to what could have been an incredibly successful career for Paige.
However, even after leaving WWE, Paige has continued to inspire fans as an advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity. Her resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, and she remains one of the most beloved figures in wrestling history.
Conclusion
WWE has a reputation for being one of the most cut-throat industries in entertainment. Unfortunately, this often means talented female wrestlers are let go for dubious reasons. From Mandy Rose to Paige and beyond, these women have all faced challenges inside and outside the ring.
While it’s easy to point fingers and speculate about why these women were fired, it’s important to remember that we don’t always know the whole story. What we do know is that they are all incredibly talented athletes who deserve respect and recognition for their hard work.
As professional wrestling fans, we must support these women during their time in WWE and after they’re no longer with the company. By following them on social media, attending independent shows where they perform, or simply spreading awareness about their accomplishments, we can help ensure their legacies live on long after they’ve left WWE behind.
