For many WWE superstars, leaving the squared circle marks the end of their wrestling story. But some wrestlers refuse to hang up their boots, returning in ways no one expected. Whether it’s shifting to a different promotion, reinventing their persona, or making a triumphant comeback, these stars prove that second acts in wrestling can be just as exciting as their WWE runs.
Fans love a good comeback story — and when a famous WWE face resurfaces in a new wrestling promotion, it brings nostalgia mixed with excitement. The athletes on this list not only had memorable WWE careers but also redefined themselves in impressive ways after leaving the company. Let’s explore some of the best WWE superstars who managed to create surprising and successful second careers in wrestling — and why they continue to resonate with fans today.
1. Cody Rhodes — From Mid-Carder to Wrestling’s Hottest Free Agent and Back
Cody Rhodes’ transformation is one of the most talked-about stories in modern wrestling. Initially known for his time in WWE as part of “Legacy” with Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr., and later adopting the “Stardust” persona, Cody never quite reached the main event scene that many felt he deserved. His departure from WWE in 2016 set the stage for one of the most inspiring comebacks in wrestling history.
Instead of fading away, Rhodes took to the independent scene with fierce determination, proving his worth in companies like Ring of Honor (ROH), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and various indie promotions. His role in co-founding All Elite Wrestling (AEW) cemented his status as not only a top-tier talent but also a visionary in the wrestling industry. Fans saw a whole new side of Cody — a polished, confident performer with undeniable charisma and promo skills.
When he returned to WWE in 2022, the buzz was electric. His comeback was met with massive fanfare, and he immediately shot to the main event scene, proving that his second career wasn’t just a phase — it was a rebirth that finally gave him the recognition he always sought.
2. Drew McIntyre — From “The Chosen One” to a Dominant World Champion
Drew McIntyre (Image via Getty)Drew McIntyre’s WWE journey is a prime example of resilience. Initially signed as “The Chosen One” and handpicked by Vince McMahon as a future star, McIntyre’s early WWE run was underwhelming. After a promising start, he fell into mid-card obscurity and was eventually released from his contract in 2014.
However, McIntyre refused to let that define his career. He rebuilt himself on the independent circuit and in Impact Wrestling, where he refined both his physique and in-ring presence. Fans began to see a tougher, more intense competitor — far from the clean-cut image WWE had first marketed. His return to WWE in 2017 showcased a completely transformed athlete, ready to fulfill the potential that had once been predicted for him.
By 2020, McIntyre reached the peak of WWE, winning the Royal Rumble and defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania to become WWE Champion. His second act is a testament to hard work and evolution, showing how leaving WWE can sometimes be the catalyst for achieving even greater heights upon returning.
3. Matt Cardona (FKA Zack Ryder) — From Internet Sensation to Indie King
Zack Ryder (Image via Getty)Matt Cardona, famously known as Zack Ryder during his WWE tenure, carved out a niche for himself through social media before WWE fully embraced online content. His “Long Island Iced-Z” persona and the “Z! True Long Island Story” YouTube series made him a fan favorite, even when WWE’s creative team didn’t seem to have long-term plans for him.
Despite winning the United States Championship and a memorable WrestleMania Intercontinental Title victory, Cardona’s WWE career was often a start-stop. After his release in 2020, many assumed that his time as a major wrestling figure might be over — but Cardona proved otherwise. He reinvented himself as one of the biggest names in independent wrestling, becoming a top draw in promotions like GCW (Game Changer Wrestling) and NWA (National Wrestling Alliance).
By embracing a more hardcore, edgy style — far removed from his WWE persona — Cardona showed his range and commitment to the craft. He went from being typecast as a mid-card comedy act to one of the most talked-about wrestlers on the indie scene. His second career stands as a blueprint for how wrestlers can thrive outside WWE’s massive spotlight.
4. Emma (Tenille Dashwood) — Reinventing Herself on the Global Wrestling Scene
Emma (Image via Getty)Emma, known outside WWE as Tenille Dashwood, had a career full of potential that never quite reached full bloom during her WWE run. Though she was one of the first women to make a mark in NXT’s early days, her main roster career struggled to gain momentum. Injuries and creative setbacks plagued her time in WWE, leading to her release in 2017.
Rather than disappearing from the wrestling scene, Dashwood took her talents worldwide. She competed in Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling, and various independent promotions, showcasing her technical skills and solidifying herself as a serious competitor. Gone was the bubbly persona of her WWE beginnings; instead, fans saw a more seasoned and confident wrestler, unafraid to take risks.
Her work in Impact Wrestling, in particular, gained her acclaim for both singles and tag team action, proving she could shine without the WWE machine behind her. While she eventually returned to WWE for a brief stint, her time away helped her gain respect as a global star — one who found her voice and place on her own terms.
Why These Second Careers Inspire Fans Everywhere
What makes these second careers so powerful is the story of perseverance. Wrestling fans appreciate growth, and watching a superstar evolve beyond their WWE image is not only exciting but also a lesson in resilience. Whether it’s Cody Rhodes building a rival company, Drew McIntyre grinding his way to the top, Matt Cardona redefining indie success, or Tenille Dashwood carving out a respected global career, these wrestlers remind us that success is often sweeter when it comes to your own terms.
They also prove that leaving WWE isn’t the end — sometimes, it’s just the beginning of a journey that leads to even greater achievements. Fans continue to rally behind these stars because they represent the belief that reinvention is possible, no matter how steep the climb.