NXT Set For “Major Changes” According To New Report
After news broke of several NXT stars being released from their contracts by WWE, a report has now claimed that the developmental brand is set to undergo “major changes.”
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful first reported that numerous NXT Superstars including Bobby Fish, Mercedes Martinez, and former NXT North American Champions Bronson Reed and Leon Ruff had all been released from their contracts. The company has made numerous cuts to its talent rosters in recent months with many of the releases being put down to budget cuts.
Mike Johnson of PWInsider has now given some more background that could very well be pertinent to the news of the releases. Johnson noted that within the company there has been a lot of chatter about the black and gold brand undergoing major changes. As part of these changes, the brand could see a new logo and lighting as well as more focus on younger stars and perhaps even a complete change of format to the TV show that airs on the USA Network.
The releases come after it was revealed that former NXT Champion Adam Cole was backstage at SmackDown for a “high-level” meeting with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, apparently in an effort to resolve his future. Cole is apparently working on a short-term deal that will expire after SummerSlam weekend.
Several of those stars released have taken to social media to offer their own comments on the situation. Bronson Reed, who had competed in dark matches before Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks said
“Just got released from @WWEThis monster is back on the loose … you don’t know WHAT you’ve just done.”
The full list of released talent from the August 6th cuts are –
-Bobby Fish
-Bronson Reed
-Jake Atlas
-Ari Sterling
–Kona Reeves
-Leon Ruff
-Stephon Smith
-Tyler Rust
– Zechariah Smith
-Asher Hale
-Giant Zanjeer
-Mercedes Martinez.