As the year of 2008 began to recede, the wrestling world was changing and there was a distinct hint in the air that the powers of the wrestling industry might be shifting. Due to faltering ratings, lack of talent and of creative direction, the inevitable fate of the ECW brand was realized and it was abolished. Superstars from the brand were distributed among both Raw and SmackDown and the ECW title was terminated. Throughout the month of November, WWE workers began leaving the promotion. Some were released due to roster congestion caused by the influx of ECW superstars, whilst others left of their own accord, seeking work in the WWEs now more prominent rival, TNA. The following is a list of all the superstars who had left the WWE by the culmination of the year. *Jim Duggan (Chose to retire) Jamie Noble (released) Snitsky (released) Tommy Dreamer (release) Mark Henry (released) Hornswoggle (released) Bam Neely (released) Mike Knox (released) Funaki (released) The Great Khali (released) The Brian Kendrick (Left to pursue work with TNA) Hardcore Holly (released) Finlay (Left to pursue work with TNA) Val Venis (released) Tony Atlas (released)* With John Cena still out with an injury and Batista and JBL both sustaining injuries of their own, which could keep them out until mid-way through 2009, the WWE had lost three of its main eventers. However, that wasnt the only thing the number one wrestling promotion in the world was losing, as h ...
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