Reason Behind WWE’s Recent Releases Revealed
Eversince WWE’s merger with UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, and the formation of TKO Holdings in September 2023, WWE has undergone multiple rounds of roster cuts.
The very first round of roster cuts came shortly after TKO was formed. Top names like Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Dana Brooke, Emma, and more were released. Then, in October 2023, Apollo Crews, Shotz, etc, were let go.
WWE released numerous superstars this year. In February 2025, there were 11 talents released, including Duke Hudson. Another major round occurred in early May 2025, shortly after WrestleMania 41, with 16 stars cut as part of budget streamlining, despite the Stamford-based promotion’s record profits.
Released names included Braun Strowman, Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, and Cora Jade, among others. This was seen as WWE cycling out developmental and mid-card talent to refresh their roster.
WWE Released Many Talents Before Crown Jewel 2025
Ahead of Crown Jewel 2025 on October 11 in Perth, Australia, WWE released another batch of wrestlers, primarily from developmental backgrounds. This batch included higher-profile names like former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee and Roman Reigns’ cousin Lance Anoa’i.
Others released were Stevie Turner, Kylie Rae, Zayda Steel, Brayden “BJ” Ray, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Drako Knox, Jin Tala, Jamar Hampton, and Zara Zakher. Most of these wrestlers had been involved with NXT, EVOLVE, or LFG reality shows.
According to Fightful Select, the Stamford-based company attributed these cuts to the regular cycling out of developmental talents whose contracts had expired or were not renewed. There was no financial reason behind it. It was not reported that any main roster stars were part of these latest releases.
As per the rumor mill, WWE is set to release more talents after Crown Jewel. But Fightful recently debunked these rumors, clarifying that the Stamford-based promotion has no such plan whatsoever.
Many of these talents have gone ahead and made a name for themselves in the independent scene and other promotions. While some of them, like Braun Strowman, have taken a short break from the wrestling business.
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