WWE releases more than 15 wrestlers from its main roster and NXT brand. This happened after WrestleMania 2025, as part of a big reorganization within the company. This marks one of the largest dismissals by the promotion in recent years and has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling community.
Main Roster Departures
According to the New York Post, former Universal Champion Braun Strowman and former NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler were among the biggest names released. Both were involved in key storylines over the past year but had reportedly not been booked consistently in recent months.
Also cut from the main roster were:
- Dakota Kai – Member of the Damage CTRL faction
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance – Women’s tag team
- Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (The Good Brothers) – Former tag champions (Source: Ringside Intel)
NXT Cuts and Rising Stars Let Go
As reported by Wrestling Inc., the NXT brand saw numerous cuts as well including:
- Drew Gulak – Former Cruiserweight Champion and technical wrestling specialist
- Gigi Dolin – Prominent member of Toxic Attraction
- Oro Mensah, Riley Osborne, Valentina Feroz – Developmental talents with frequent TV appearance.
Other developmental names released include:
- Julian Baldi
- Kiyah Saint
- Trey Bearhill
- Emma Diaz
- Ezekiel Balogun
- Darrell Mason
- Keyshawn Leflore
- Vlad Pavlenko
Veteran Departure
WWE also parted ways with veteran manager Paul Ellering known for managing the Legion of Doom and Authors of Pain. According to TalkSPORT, Ellering had served the company in various capacities for over three decades.
Behind the Cuts
While WWE has not released an official statement, sources close to the company suggest the layoffs were part of a broader strategy to restructure its talent pool ahead of upcoming TV rights negotiations and the ongoing merger under TKO Group Holdings.
Many of the freed talents are expected to become free agents after their contractual non-compete clauses expire. Typically, this period is 90 days for main roster performers and 30 days for NXT talent.
Industry Reaction
Fans and fellow wrestlers have taken to social media expressing disappointment and support for those affected during the wwe releases. Many believe several of the released stars will quickly find new opportunities in AEW, NJPW or the independent circuit.
