It also depends on the nature of their sojurn into that realm of 'free agency'. If they were fired for a violation, that's one thing. If released because of a limited amount of available work, that's another, and as we're seeing in TNA if released to save money that's yet a third potential cause.
But going with the intent of the thread, here are my 3 best and worst(in no particular order)
BEST
a--Has to be Austin by ECW where he honed his future character, then when he went to WWE, and was given the chance to run, he became a money machine in every way needed.
b--Mark Callaway. What he did with a concept that should have been hated and feared and turned it into one of the most respected and beloved gimmicks of all time. his character lead to some of the greatest moments of the later 90's and has been the only worthwhile reason to continue watching the horror show that has replaced the once honored and esteemed Wrestlemanie PPV.
c--I hate to say it, but Nash/Hall by WCW. Even more then Hogan, since the NWO would never have worked with lesser people and Hogan's heel turn would have been wasted on weaker allies.
WORST
a---WCW ruined Bret Hart as a character and allowed a green limited talent to end his career. He should have sued them for the loss of revenue he went through when he agreed to talk to and then signed with them. He had a $20million contract with wwe at the time wcw approached him and he went to vince knowing wwe was hurting and this could help them out. that lead to the issues that in turn lead to the 'screw' job.
b---Most of WCW roster when wwe bought wcw. Now, dont' jump down my throat here. I just mean it seems like for the most part when wwe bought the company aside from a small group, they went out of their way to belittle and ruin a lot of pretty decent talent. Sure some stuck around for a bit, but never with the same level as they had been in wcw or were starting to show they could do before wcw was sold. Most of those former wcw guys who were pushed had left or were in the process of leaving wcw even before they were bought out. Booker T is I think the only one that was a true wcw guy at the end who had real success in wwe.
c---people might jump me for this as well, but Brock Lesnar-both times. Every knew even when he first came on the seen that he was only using WWE as a stepping stone and money pot before he would leave and move on to other things. 1st with the attempt for football, and then ufc. he only came back to wwe because he was no longer the main guy in ufc and in fact was no longer as feared or respected in mma. his health was also a factor and he was forced to retire since his body coudln't take it any more. With a more structured and scripted while still athletic and strenous ring work in the world of wwe, he could earn as much as he was in the octogan for less brutal impact on his body.
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