Seven Former WWE Stars Free To Join TNA or Other Wrestling Promotions

As of today, seven superstars who have been released by WWE are done with their 90-day no-compete clauses.

The seven wrestlers are Mickie James, Funaki, Shelton Benjamin, Mike Knox, Katie Lea Burchill, Jimmy Wang Yang and Slam Master J.

Some of these performers have a good chance of signing with TNA, while others may need to look for work elsewhere.

Mickie James is one of WWE's most popular Divas to ever enter the squared circle. TNA would be remiss to not approach her to join the company. With the downturn, the TNA knockouts division has taken, she could breathe some new life into the division.

Shelton Benjamin is one man who TNA is probably interested in. He spent almost 10 years in WWE before being let go. While there, he gained numerous singles and tag team championships. His collegiate ties to Kurt Angle also make him an ideal candidate.

Mike Knox has one supporter in TNA in the form of Taz. It has been said that Taz is very high on Knox, but when he approached Hogan and Bischoff about bringing him in, they were unfamiliar with who he was. Knox could get the push he needs in TNA, but they already have some larger guys on the roster so they may not want to bring him on at this point.

Funaki, Slam Master J, and Katie Lea are three out of this group who will probably not show up in TNA anytime soon. They do not have that much name recognition, except for the fact that Slam Master J is a second-generation star. His father is Terry Gordy, one of the members of the legendary Freebirds tag team.

Jimmy Wang Yang would fit right into TNA's X-Division. Yang had been a part of TNA for a short time back in 2002 during the company's fledgling years, so he may be able to get a spot on the show.

No matter who TNA chooses to approach, they will have their pick of some great talent who could help their brand grow.

Shelton is the one guy I expect to be approached more than anyone, and it could be the best thing for him. Like D'Angelo Dinero, Shelton was not pushed properly in WWE. A new company with some old faces could help Shelton get into a new groove and take off, much like Christian did.

There was talk of Shelton possibly returning to WWE, but nothing ever seemed to come of it. So hopefully we'll see the Golden Gopher appear in TNA sometime soon.