10 Stars Who Ruined Their WWE Career With One Mistake

Velveteen Dream

10. Alex Riley

Alex Riley’s main-roster rise slowed in 2011 after a backstage disagreement with John Cena while Riley was positioned as a breakout prospect following his alliance with The Miz. Veteran producer Arn Anderson later confirmed there was real friction between the two, and Riley himself has said an “incident” changed the direction of his WWE career. After that period, Riley was quietly moved out of prominent singles programs, shifted to commentary in 2012, and was released by the company in May 2016.

9. New Jack

New Jack stated in later interviews that he was invited for a WWE tryout in 2005 but was removed from a dark match after approaching Vince McMahon despite being told not to by a road agent. The account originates from New Jack’s own retellings in interviews and podcasts. His reputation from ECW and an extensive history of violent incidents and lawsuits continued to follow him through the remainder of his career and limited his opportunities with major promotions.

8. Buff Bagwell

Buff Bagwell made only one televised WWE appearance, facing Booker T on the July 2, 2001 episode of Raw. He was released days later. WWE management pointed to a combination of backstage behavior issues, dissatisfaction with his performance, and an alleged physical altercation with Shane Helms. Jim Ross later added that the company received a phone call from Bagwell’s mother regarding illness, a claim Bagwell has repeatedly denied. The firing itself is undisputed, while the exact final trigger remains contested.

7. Lars Sullivan

Lars Sullivan’s rise ended in 2019 after old online forum posts containing racist, misogynistic and homophobic language came to light. WWE fined him $100,000 and required sensitivity training. Injuries and anxiety issues then significantly limited his appearances, and he quietly exited the company in 2021 without a formal announcement. Owing to these issues, his company run never recovered from the controversy.

6. Jaxson Ryker

Jaxson Ryker’s career faltered after a June 2020 social media post supporting then-President Donald Trump during nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The reaction from fans and fellow wrestlers was immediate. His faction, The Forgotten Sons, was pulled from television shortly afterward. Ryker returned briefly in later months but never regained traction and was released in November 2021.

5. Greg Hamilton

SmackDown ring announcer Greg Hamilton was released in October 2021 after becoming involved in a public copyright dispute with rapper Westside Gunn over the alleged unauthorized use of Hamilton’s voice. WWE management was reportedly dissatisfied with him taking the matter public and involving himself legally without corporate approval. The company did not issue an official statement, but multiple reports confirmed the incident played a role in his dismissal.

4. David Schultz

In December 1984, David Schultz attacked ABC reporter John Stossel during a 20/20 segment that questioned whether professional wrestling was fake. Stossel suffered injuries and filed a lawsuit, which WWE later settled. Schultz was fired shortly afterward. He later claimed Vince McMahon encouraged aggression, but the company distanced itself once the case became public. A prior confrontation with actor Mr. T further contributed to his removal.

3. Nailz

Kevin Wacholz, known as Nailz, was fired in December 1992 after a heated confrontation with Vince McMahon over disputed pay. Witnesses described the exchange as physical and volatile. Nailz later sued the company for wrongful termination and alleged misconduct by McMahon. WWE denied the claims, and all lawsuits were eventually dropped. Nailz testified during the 1994 federal steroid trial, though his testimony did not damage the company’s defense.

2. Velveteen Dream

Patrick Clark, known as Velveteen Dream, was removed from WWE programming in April 2020 following online accusations involving inappropriate communication with a minor. WWE said an internal investigation found no evidence at the time, but Clark remained off television. He returned briefly, then disappeared again, and was released in May 2021. In 2022, he was arrested in Florida on unrelated charges, further harming any potential return to mainstream wrestling.

1. Odyssey Jones

Odyssey Jones was removed from WWE programming in September 2023 after domestic violence allegations emerged. WWE responded swiftly, terminating his contract under its strict zero-tolerance policy. The company offered no on-air explanation for his disappearance, and it has not issued any additional public statements regarding the situation.