WWE releases Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Cameron and more

STAMFORD, Conn., May 9 (UPI) -- WWE has released a collection of former big name stars including Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Cameron and Santino Marella.

"WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstars Damien Sandow, King Barrett, Santino Marella, Cameron, Hornswoggle, Alex Riley, El Torito and Zeb Colter as of Friday, May 6, 2016," the company noted in an official statement.

"WWE wishes them the best in all of their future endeavors," they continued.

Sandow, who formerly played a self-proclaimed "Intellectual Savior of the Masses" before becoming The Miz's stunt-double, noted on Twitter that his name trended on the social media site for hours following news of his release.

"Wow! Trending worldwide for 3 plus hours. Sorry I didn't notice I was at @ChurchillDowns . Ok so here it goes.. [email protected]," he wrote, declaring that now, away from WWE, he could partake in independent bookings.

Barrett, a former five-time Intercontinental and King of the Ring winner who reportedly gave his notice in February, wrote a lengthy response concerning his departure on Twitter confirming that the split was amicable. "After almost 9 years, today saw my final day with WWE, I made a decision back in August last year not to re-sign once my current contract expired in June 2016, and I've now reached an agreement with management to dissolve the contract a few weeks early," he wrote before teasing a return to the squared circle in the future.

"As planned, I am now taking a well-earned break from the wrestling industry in order to expand my horizons, but I'll be back in the ring when the time is right."

Marella, who portrayed a comedic Italian underdog on WWE, was upbeat about being released. "Worry not my friends for the next chapter shall be even greater! It was a dream come true, thank you #WWE," he stated on Twitter.

Cameron was known as a star on Total Divas and one half of the Funkadactyls alongside Naomi. Hornswoggle and El Torito were known for portraying comedic characters while Alex Riley was an NXT talent. Zeb Colter was last seen as the ringside manager of Jack Swagger and Alberto Del Rio.