Beloved WWE Stars From The 2000s: Where Are They Now?

The WWE in the 2000s brought fans many eras of wrestling, including the end of the Attitude Era, the beginning of the Ruthless Aggression Era, and the beginning of the PG Era. The 2000s also introduced fans to many likable wrestlers. But many wrestlers have a short shelf life in the business, and as time goes on, many fans may wonder where their favorite wrestlers went or what they are up to.

Some performers take their expertise backstage and become producers with WWE, while others may attempt different career ventures. Unfortunately, some end up passing away at an early age, and fans never get to see a future cameo or return.

Stand Back! There’s A Hurricane Coming Through

Popular Wrestler Who Was Beloved For His Superhero Gimmick

The Hurricane, born Gregory Helms, was known for his enthusiastic superhero gimmick throughout his WWE career. He wrestled under monikers, including The Hurricane, Gregory Helms, and Hurricane Helms. Helms captured multiple titles throughout his run in the company and feuded with Matt Hardy, Tajiri, Billy Kidman, Jamie Noble, and more. The Hurricane also had success in the tag team division. He captured the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kane after the duo defeated The Un-Americans, a team that consisted of Christian and Lance Storm. His tag team success continued in 2003 while teaming up with Rosey.

The pair defeated La Résistance in a Tag Team Turmoil match for the World Tag Team Championship. But The Hurricane may most be remembered for his feud with The Rock. During their feud, The Rock continuously threw jabs at The Hurricane backstage, comparing him to the Hamburglar because of the mask he wore. The two finally clashed on an episode of Monday Night Raw, with The Hurricane grabbing the stunning win over The Rock after he was distracted by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The Hurricane suffered an injury to his neck in 2007, which required surgery, causing him to miss a year and a half. Helms returned in 2008 and wrestled until he was released from his contract in 2010. After some stints on the independent circuit, Helms returned to WWE in 2018 and made a few surprise appearances at the Royal Rumble. On March 24, 2022, he announced on X that he signed a Legends contract with WWE. He also has a role as a producer backstage for the company.

Santino Marella Is Coming With The Cobra

Popular Performer Known For His Comedy In And Out Of The Ring

Santino Marella, born Anthony Carelli, began his WWE career in 2005 in the company’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. After training there for two years, he debuted on a 2007 episode of Monday Night Raw, which was held in Milan, Italy. Marella made quite the debut as he defeated Umaga for the Intercontinental championship with some assistance from Bobby Lashley. Throughout his time in WWE, he feuded with Umaga, Chris Masters, Jack Swagger, David Otunga, and more.

He is known for his popular finisher, The Cobra, where he dons a sock that resembles a snake on his arm to strike down his opponents. Marella has also racked up some unusual accolades while competing in the WWE. Unfortunately, he holds the record for the shortest time in a Royal Rumble match, at 1.5 seconds, after being eliminated immediately by Kane in 2009. Santino continued to win fans over with his humor when he competed in and won the Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25. He fought as Santina Marella and claimed he was Santino’s twin sister. During his WWE run, he had some success in the tag team division and worked programs with Maria, Beth Phoenix, and Emma.

Marella announced his retirement from the company on July 6, 2014, at a house show in Toronto, Canada, citing a third neck injury as the reason. After being released in 2016, he returned for a few appearances from 2019 to 2020. Nowadays, Marella competes in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, which is currently known as Impact Wrestling. He also makes appearances on the independent circuit.

RVD Can Be Found Jumping From The Nearest Turnbuckle

Athletic Wrestler Known For His High Flying Moves

Rob Van Dam, born Robert Alexander Szatkowski, debuted in WWE in July 2001 as part of the Invasion angle after previously wrestling for ECW. RVD clashed with a number of notable wrestlers during his time with the company, including Kane, The Undertaker, The Rock, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and more. His impact was felt early on as he captured the Hardcore and the Intercontinental titles. Fans go wild for Van Dam’s finisher, The Five-Star Frog Splash, where he climbs up to the top turnbuckle and leaps on his grounded opponent, extending his arms and legs while in the air.

RVD also formed a tag team with Kane and the duo went on to win the World Tag Team Championship. Kane eventually turned heel after being forced to remove his mask, and the pair feuded, with Kane ultimately coming out on top. Van Dam was able to reach the highest pinnacle in WWE. After winning the Money In The Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 22, he decided to cash in on his opportunity for a WWE Championship match at ECW One Night Stand. RVD fought John Cena in front of a pro-Van Dam crowd. After interference from Edge, RVD was able to hit his finisher and capture the WWE Championship.

Van Dam left WWE in 2007 after stating he needed a break. He talked about his departure from the company to former WCW wrestlers Konnan and Disco Inferno on their Keeping’ It 100 podcast.

After leaving WWE, he wrestled on the independent circuit and for Impact Wrestling. He briefly returned to the company in 2013 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021. Currently, RVD is signed with WWE under a Legends contract. He also signed with AEW under a per-match contract. He last appeared in the promotion on April 20, winning a four-way elimination match.

Mr. Kennedy, Kennedy

In-Ring Performer Known For Repeating His Last Name

Ken Anderson, most known as Mr. Kennedy, during his time in WWE, began his career with the company in Ohio Valley Wrestling. He is most known for repeating his last name twice during his own ring announcements and promos. He only captured the United States Championship during his tenure in WWE. Mr. Kennedy was destined to plunge into the main event scene once he captured the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 23. After suffering an injury that was expected to keep him out for a while, the decision was made for Anderson to drop the briefcase to Edge.

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Mr. Kennedy seemed destined to ascend to greatness in WWE before several unfortunate events sent him tumbling down the card.

During his final years in WWE, Kennedy feuded with Jeff Hardy, Shawn Micheals, and more. After just making a return, he was released from the company on May 29, 2009. After his release, Kennedy sat down with Wrestlezone and discussed the reason why he was let go. He revealed that Randy Orton complained about his in-ring work. He also said Orton argued Kennedy’s recklessness could’ve ended his career. After years of animosity, Kennedy spoke with The A2theK Wrestling Show and took the blame for his own release.

Nowadays, you can catch Anderson announcing for Top Rank Boxing. He also founded The Academy professional wrestling school with WWE alum Shawn Daivari in 2016.

That’s Gotta Be Kane!

The Big Red Machine Is Now A Mayor

Kane, born Glenn Jacobs, is arguably one of the most popular wrestlers of the 2000s. Although he debuted as the demonic character in 1997, he was a staple in WWE throughout the 2000s era. Kane captured multiple titles throughout his time at the company and formed memorable tag teams with wrestlers like The Undertaker and Daniel Bryan. Kane may have been known best as The Undertaker’s brother, but he set himself apart through his in-ring work and sometimes comedic relief. The Big Red Machine feuded with several stars, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Triple H, Mankind, and many more.

In the early 2000s, Kane and The Undertaker teamed up, creating the legendary Brothers of Destruction stable, laying waste to anyone in their way. Although Kane captured many titles and reached the highest point by winning the WWE Championship, one of his most notable career moments came when he was unmasked during an episode of Raw on June 23, 2003. Kane fought Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship and was forced to unmask after losing as part of a stipulation made by co-general manager Eric Bischoff. He wrestled without his iconic mask until 2011.

In 2011, he wrestled with a new mask and later formed the memorable Team Hell No with Daniel Bryan. The duo would go on to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship and entertain fans with their comedic segments backstage. Kane also appeared as part of Triple H’s authority without his mask and mostly walked around in a suit. Kane was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 and has made sporadic appearances on television since then. Jacobs has ventured into the world of politics and is currently the mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. Jacobs, running as a Republican, defeated Linda Haney for the position in 2018. He won reelection in 2022 after defeating Debbie Helsley.

The Animal Batista Was The Face Of SmackDown During The Ruthless Aggression Era

One Of The Top Wrestlers In The Business During The 2000s

David Bautista, known as Batista in the squared circle, was an important piece of WWE’s success in the 2000s. He started in development at Ohio Valley Wrestling and, after two years, made his television debut on May 9 on SmackDown! as Deacon Batista. After teaming up with Reverend D-Von for a while, he turned on him, and the two clashed. Shortly after winning their feud, he was shipped off to Raw and rebranded as Batista. Batista aligned himself with legends Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton, creating the dominant stable, Evolution. Each member held championships during their successful run as a team. Ultimately, Batista won the Royal Rumble and turned face, famously tricking Triple H by giving a thumbs up and changing it to a thumbs down, letting him know he was challenging him for the title.

Batista feuded with multiple stars, including JBL, The Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero, Triple H, Booker T, John Cena and more. He stood at the top of the company opposite John Cena as the face of WWE during the 2000s. Batista quit the company in 2010 and cited that he wanted to pursue other career ventures and wasn’t a fan of the PG Era. After leaving the company, he acted in several movies and is best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy.

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He has also appeared in movies, including James Bond’s Spectre, Blade Runner, Dune, and Army of the Dead. Batista returned to WWE in 2014 and won the Royal Rumble but ultimately lost in a triple-threat match at WrestleMania after tapping out to Daniel Bryan. He also returned in 2018-2019 and had a program with Triple H culminating at WrestleMania 35, where he lost after Ric Flair’s interference. To this day, Batista continues to act in movies and is set to star in the upcoming 2025 film In the Lost Lands.

Everyone Wants Some Stratusfaction

Trish Stratus Is Arguably The Greatest Women’s Wrestler Of All Time

Trish Stratus, born Patricia Anne Stratigeas, was arguably the most well-known female wrestler in WWE during the 2000s. She had a vicious rivalry with Lita, the other top female wrestler of the 2000s. Stratus was in many different storylines, including acting as a manager and lover to different wrestlers. She was thrown into a feud with the McMahon family, where she developed a close relationship with chairman Vince McMahon, while his wife Linda was institutionalized in the story due to his divorce request. But at the culmination of the feud, Trish ended up slapping Vince McMahon during his match at WrestleMania 17 against his son Shane.

During her time in WWE, Trish feuded with Torrie Wilson, Lita, Stacy Keibler, Jazz, Molly Holly, and more. Stratus was a true champion during her tenure with the company, winning the WWE Women’s Championship seven times. Besides her feud with Lita, Stratus notably clashed with up-and-comer Mickie James, who played an obsessed superfan during their program. James ultimately upset Stratus at WrestleMania 22, capturing the title. Stratus competed in a retirement match in her hometown of Toronto, Canada, and defeated Lita, going out on top as champion.

From 2007 to 2019, Stratus made random appearances at special WWE events. She returned to WWE in 2022 for a year and feuded with top stars, including Becky Lynch, Bayley, Liv Morgan, and more. Since leaving WWE in 2023, Stratus has made a few appearances. She appeared in a backstage interview at WrestleMania 40 and hosted Money in the Bank in July.

WWE Fans Loved Torrie Wilson

Torrie Wilson Had Teenage Men Drooling

Torrie Wilson never won a championship during her tenure in WWE but was still one of the most popular female wrestlers during the 2000s era. Wilson debuted in WWE in early 2001 as part of the Invasion storyline after previously wrestling in WCW the year prior. She feuded with multiple divas, including Trish Stratus, Dawn Marie, Lita, and more. Because of her immense popularity in the WWE, Wilson landed herself on the cover of Playboy in 2003.

Wilson entered an on-screen romance towards the end of her time at WWE and feuded with various divas. In May 2008, Wilson was released from her contract and retired. Since retiring, she has made multiple appearances for the company. Wilson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. In a conversation with Chris Van Vliet, she revealed that she was nervous fans wouldn’t remember who she was when she made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble.

Ain’t No Stopping Me Now!

Shelton Benjamin Was A Staple In The WWE During The 2000s

Shelton Benjamin debuted on WWE television in 2002 after spending two years in Ohio Valley Wrestling. To start his career, Benjamin teamed up with Charlie Haas, and the duo quickly captured the WWE Tag Team Championship. They were led by then-WWE Champion Kurt Angle, using his last name to name themselves (Team Angle). Benjamin and Haas lost the titles at Judgment Day and were subsequently let go by Kurt Angle, changing their team name to the World’s Greatest Tag Team. Benjamin feuded with Triple H, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, and more during his tenure at the company.

Benjamin never truly got the main event shine throughout his WWE run but was a top mid-carder. He held the Intercontinental Championship for 244 days. Benjamin was known for his athletic ability, frequently performing high-flying and high-risk moves. After a run on the ECW and SmackDown! brands, Benjamin was released from his contract after 10 years with the company. Benjamin returned to WWE in 2017 and wrestled for another six years until being released on September 21, 2023. If you missed Shelton’s WWE runs, you can still catch him in the ring as he performs on the independent circuit or for All Elite Wrestling.

Mickie James Won Both The WWE Women’s & Divas Championships

Mickie James Was A Force To Be Reckoned With During The 2000s

Mickie James has wrestled for more than 20 years, spending close to half of them wrestling for WWE. After spending some time in Ohio Valley Wrestling, she debuted on Raw as WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus’ biggest fan. Stratus and James’ program reached its peak when the two met at WrestleMania 22. James defeated Stratus for her first of many WWE Women’s Championship wins. James feuded with multiple Divas throughout her tenure, including Lita, Melina, Victoria, Beth Phoenix, and more. After many successful title wins and feuds, James was eventually let go from WWE in April 2010. But that would not be the last that WWE fans would see of James.

James returned to WWE in 2016 after stints on the independent circuit and Impact Wrestling and feuded with the new wave of female wrestlers. She was then released in 2021 but made history when she returned to the company again at the 2022 Royal Rumble. James was the Knockouts World Champion for Impact Wrestling and was part of the first-ever crossover between Impact Wrestling and WWE. The former WWE Women’s Champion is currently the Creative Director, Head of Female Talent, and Executive Producer at Ohio Valley Wrestling. James is also a country singer and has released two albums, Strangers & Angels and Somebody’s Gonna Pay.