The Main Persons Responsible For Shocking Departure Of 26 Stars From WWE

After the conclusion of WrestleMania 42, WWE released several superstars from its main roster and NXT developmental brands.

From the men’s division on the main roster, Aleister Black, Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, and the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) were released. From the women’s division, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Zoey Stark, and Alba Fyre were let go.

The entire Wyatt Sicks faction, consisting of Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan, was also released.

From NXT and the developmental side, Andre Chase (Chase U leader), Dante Chen, Tyra Mae Steele, Malik Blade, Luca Crusifino, Tyson DuPont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Sirena Linton, Francois Prinsloo, Carlee Bright, and Trill London were among those let go from the company.

Triple H, Nick Khan, and WWE Talent Relations Responsible For April 2026 Releases

After the news went viral, the WWE Universe began speculating about who had the final say in releasing these superstars. Many fans pointed fingers at TKO, given its increasing involvement in WWE operations.

However, Fightful Select shed some light on the situation. According to the report, Triple H, Nick Khan, and WWE Talent Relations made the final decision on the releases, not TKO.

There is a lot of talk of TKO making the calls for the WWE cuts.

Triple H, Nick Khan and WWE talent relations were ultimately the primary decision makers.

– @FightfulSelectpic.twitter.com/YKE5jPHB4u

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) April 27, 2026

While answering a fan question on Twitter, renowned journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer said the same thing, highlighting that Triple H is the main person responsible for WWE releases, not TKO executives.

Meltzer noted that WWE President Nick Khan may have had some input, but he was not necessarily the one making the final call. He also clarified that the head of TKO is not micromanaging roster cuts or selecting specific wrestlers to release.

Therefore, Triple H is ultimately the one making these decisions. Meltzer effectively shut down the idea that TKO is behind the cuts, stating that the responsibility largely falls on Triple H.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.