10 Most Important WWE Moments Of 2014 - 9

9. Alberto Del Rio Fired

This probably would have been a bigger deal if Del Rio were more popular on the internet, but it’s still very newsworthy, as ADR is a two-time WWE Champion, two-time World Champion, and a Royal Rumble winner. When you have that type of title history, and you’re fired for any reason, it’s a big deal.

It wasn’t just that he was released. It was why he was released that helped make this a big story. The story is well-known at this point, but the accusations of rampant racism within WWE management and positions of power have flown around since Del Rio’s release, making the entire thing that much worse. The accusations opened the eyes of many fans who weren’t really thinking about things like blatant racism in the workplace in 2014, although common sense would tell you it’s much more common than many would think.

Del Rio has said he will be joining the Lucha Underground project in 2015, and there is also plenty of buzz about him signing with TNA in 2015, as well. No matter your opinion of Del Rio, or TNA for that matter, there is no denying that he would be a big acquisition for the company as they begin their next phase in the new year. Fans haven’t heard the last of this man.