Tag: WWE Releases

  • Former WWE Star Admits Being Without Plan After Exit

    Former WWE Star Admits Being Without Plan After Exit

    Former WWE star Karrion Kross, (now Killer Kross) walked out of WWE last year with no plan for what came next. By his own admission, that was because he never thought he would need one.

    The former WWE star spent years believing that pure effort would keep him employed indefinitely, only to learn that job security in the company does not work that way.

    Speaking on the Off the Ropes podcast, Kross reflected on how far his career has drifted from what he originally pictured. After a couple of runs with WWE,he said he always assumed he would retire under the WWE banner.

    “I’ll be honest, I had no plan. I have said this for years. The story’s never changed. I always thought I was going to be a lifer with WWE,” Kross said.

    The hard lesson, he explained, was realizing that staying with WWE was never fully in his control, no matter how hard he pushed himself each week.

    “I didn’t understand how that really worked. It’s like, that’s not actually your choice. You’re thinking that, ‘Hey, if I just show up at 110% every single week, that should take care of it, right?’ It’s like, No, that’s not really how it works.”

    Embracing The Uncertainty

    Leaving WWE was never part of the plan but Kross framed the constant change that followed as something he is suited for. He described himself as someone who has lived all over the place and adapts quickly.

    “I’ve lived all over the place. So instantaneous change and adaptability has never bothered me. I kind of like, in a weird way, I thrive on that because the monotonous routine of anything drives me crazy, which is also a weird paradox because I also thrive on routine and discipline. That’s just the way I am.”

    That adaptability has paid off. Kross has since established himself on the independent scene, where he and Scarlett have made clear they are not desperate for a new contract, and Kross went on to capture his first world title since his WWE exit by winning the MLW World Championship at Battle Riot VIII.

  • Released WWE Star Expected For Indie Return

    Released WWE Star Expected For Indie Return

    Former WWE star Alba Fyre, who wrestled on the independent circuit as Kay Lee Ray, is believed to be the mystery opponent teased for Pro Wrestling EVE’s upcoming EVE 150: History Makers | Rule Breakers event on June 5 at the Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, London.

    EVE’s promotional material for the show has been teasing a mystery opponent for Molly Spartan, with the announcement describing the unnamed challenger as “a former WWE Tag Team Champion, a former EVE Champion, and an absolute KiLLeR in the ring.”

    The capitalized letters in “KiLLeR” are being read as a nod to Kay Lee Ray’s initials.

    Kay Lee Ray is a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, having held the titles alongside Isla Dawn on the main roster. She also held the NXT UK Women’s Championship for a record reign of 649 days between 2019 and 2021, and has prior history with Pro Wrestling EVE earlier in her career.

  • Backstage Plans To Rebuild Tag-Team Division After WWE Releases

    Backstage Plans To Rebuild Tag-Team Division After WWE Releases

    Reports have emerged that WWE is making moves to strengthen its tag team scene following a wave of roster departures after WrestleMania 42.

    The company is focusing on rebuilding the division through internal development and potential outside acquisitions.

    WWE released multiple tag teams and talents as part of its post-Mania roster cuts, leaving noticeable gaps across the division. Among those let go were the Wyatt Sicks, Motor City Machine Guns members Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, as well as Tonga Loa and Jeff Cobb from The MFTs.

    In another major blow to the tag ranks, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of The New Day also exited WWE after reportedly being asked to accept pay reductions. That represents a significant amount of experience and established chemistry gone in a short period of time.

    WWE’s Rebuilding Strategy

    As per False Finish HQ sources, WWE is now actively working to rebuild the division internally by developing teams already on the roster.

    The company is also believed to be exploring the possibility of bringing in established tag teams from outside promotions in the near future.

    The latest reports suggest there is renewed plan on rebuilding depth and credibility across the division moving ahead.

  • Wyatt Sicks Book First Appearance After WWE Release

    Wyatt Sicks Book First Appearance After WWE Release

    The Wyatt Sicks are set to make appearances for the first time after departing WWE.

    The Wyatt Sicks members were among the several names released following WrestleMania 42. It has been announced that they will reunite at WrestleCon during WWE SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis. The three-day convention runs from July 31 through August 2.

    WrestleCon announced on Twitter that the entire Wyatt Sicks lineup will be available for fan interactions during the convention. The appearance will feature Bo Dallas under the name Taylor Rotunda, Nikki Cross using the name Nikki Storm, Dexter Lumis returning to Samuel Shaw, Erick Rowan once again using Erick Redbeard, and Joe Gacy now going by Joseph Sawyer.

    The announcement marks a notable convention booking for the faction. WrestleCon typically runs alongside major WWE events and draws fans from around the world for meet-and-greets, autograph signings, and panel discussions.

    The timing coincides with WWE SummerSlam weekend, one of the biggest events on the wrestling calendar. Minneapolis will host the Premium Live Event, with WrestleCon serving as a hub for independent wrestling talent and WWE performers making convention appearances.

  • AEW Internally Pushing To Sign The New Day

    AEW Internally Pushing To Sign The New Day

    The New Day members Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods could land in AEW following their departure from WWE.

    There has been interest from AEW in signing the New Day members. A report emerged claiming close to a dozen sources within AEW expressed a desire to sign Kingston and Woods following an alleged WWE departure.

    As per Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, almost no dissent has emerged among those spoken to within AEW about potentially signing the New Day duo to AEW.

    At least one person within an organization usually raises concerns about a potential signing, but that has not been the case here. The outlet noted that both Kingston and Woods are universally respected within AEW and that several big names in the promotion have been actively making an internal push for the two to end up there.

    Bobby Lashley Wants The New Day In AEW

    Lashley has been one of several AEW names wanting them in the company. He said:

    “Man, I tell you what, I think the problem that we have right now is that the Hurt Syndicate is too strong. If we bring those guys on there, we’d be just unstoppable. I don’t think there’s any guess game in what’s going to happen next.

    I think Kofi and Woods, I think they’re just amazing talent, and I think that anybody and everybody is going to throw in their money to try to pick those guys up. Hopefully they come to AEW, and if they do, we’ll try to get them if we can because I would love to be able to work with those guys.”

    Kingston and Woods are both subject to 90-day non-compete clauses and would make them available in late July or early August. 

    Kingston and Woods recently booked their first public appearances since leaving WWE. The former New Day members have been advertised for GalaxyCon Oklahoma City under the names “Kofi” and “Austin Creed.”

    The duo is set to appear at GalaxyCon Oklahoma City on the weekend of May 22-24 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, followed by GalaxyCon Nashville on May 29-31 at The Fairgrounds Nashville.

  • Former WWE Star Shocked After The New Day WWE Release

    Former WWE Star Shocked After The New Day WWE Release

    Former WWE star Matt Hardy recently responded to Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of The New Day departing WWE.

    Recent reports alleged that TKO attempted to restructure the duo’s contracts through pay cuts, leading to their exit.

    During a recent episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy discussed his reaction to hearing the departure claims. The veteran stated the news would be shocking if true, given The New Day’s prominence in WWE.

    “Shock. It was definitely shocking. The New Day has been such a staple of WWE, and you think they’re going to be WWE lifers, no doubt about it. And the last thing you expect is, as popular and as prominent as they still are right now, they’re going to be gone from WWE. It was very, very shocking to hear.”

    Hardy continued:

    “They were such big stars on a high level. It was shocking. I’m surprised they didn’t really try to figure out some way to make it work.”

    Woods and Kingston formed The New Day alongside Big E in 2014. The faction has become one of the most successful tag teams in WWE history, capturing multiple tag team championships across various combinations.

    Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Set For Appearance Outside WWE

    Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods recently booked their first public appearances since departing WWE, and they’re already moving away from their WWE identities.

    The former New Day members have been advertised for GalaxyCon Oklahoma City under the names “Kofi” and “Austin Creed.”

    The pair is set to appear at GalaxyCon Oklahoma City on the weekend of May 22-24 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, followed by GalaxyCon Nashville on May 29-31 at The Fairgrounds Nashville.

  • Veteran On WWE Releases: ‘Free To Go Where The Hell They Want’

    Veteran On WWE Releases: ‘Free To Go Where The Hell They Want’

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently addressed WWE contract structures.

    Several names were cut from the WWE roster as part of post-WrestleMania 42 releases. JR explained that multi-year deals typically include performance-based exit clauses. He highlighted that contracts are not fully guaranteed unless specifically negotiated that way.

    On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross stated that WWE includes protective measures in long-term agreements. He explained that even five-year contracts often contain provisions allowing the company to release talent under certain circumstances.

    “I think probably most of them probably got a 90 day out, meaning they get paid for 90 days and they’re free to go where the hell they want. So essentially when you sign those five-year deals, a lot of them have outs, all of them have outs of some sort, and if they don’t? You’re stupid…and WWE is not stupid.”

    The veteran commentator clarified that signing a five-year deal does not guarantee five years of employment at a set rate. Ross noted that talent must specifically negotiate guaranteed terms if they want full contract security.

    “Just because you got a five-year deal, it doesn’t mean you got five guaranteed years to pay at this particular rate,” Ross explained. “If I’m a talent, I like the five-year deal, cause it gives me a little bit of security. But it’s not guaranteed unless you negotiate that in your deal, that ‘I got five years guaranteed and my contract ends in 2032 or something.’”

    Ross’s comments provide insight into how WWE structures talent agreements and the importance of contract negotiations in professional wrestling.

  • Every WWE Contract Has a Loophole, Says Otunga

    Every WWE Contract Has a Loophole, Says Otunga

    Former WWE Superstar and Harvard-trained attorney David Otunga has weighed in on the ongoing conversation surrounding WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 releases — and his legal perspective cuts right to the heart of the matter.

    Otunga addressed the widely-held belief that some WWE talents hold “no-cut” contracts, explaining that such deals may not offer the protection wrestlers assume they do.

    ‘They Don’t Actually Exist’ — Otunga Breaks It Down

    According to Otunga, the concept of a true no-cut guarantee in WWE is largely a myth. While contracts may be structured to provide some financial protection, the actual language rarely locks WWE into keeping a talent on the active roster — or even on payroll — for the full duration of a deal.

    Otunga’s comments serve as a sobering reality check for talents and fans who assumed certain superstars were untouchable based on contract status alone. The kill fee or 90-day pay provisions that typically accompany releases are not the same as a guaranteed, unbreakable contract.

    Context: WWE’s Recent Wave of Releases

    Otunga’s remarks come amid one of the more turbulent roster-management periods in recent WWE history. Reports indicate TKO Group Holdings pursued more than 24 releases following WrestleMania 42, alongside asking at least six talents to accept significant pay reductions — some as steep as 50%.

    High-profile casualties included Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who reportedly declined pay cut requests and were subsequently let go. The situation has reignited long-standing discussions about wrestler protections, independent contractor status, and the fine print inside WWE deal structures.

    Why This Matters

    Otunga is uniquely positioned to speak on this topic. A Harvard Law School graduate, he practiced law before his WWE career and has consistently used his legal background to offer credible analysis of the industry’s business side.

    His warning is simple: wrestlers — and fans — shouldn’t assume a “no-cut” designation means what it sounds like. Without ironclad language explicitly prohibiting releases, WWE retains significant leverage, even in contracts often described publicly as no-cut deals.

    As WWE continues to reshape its roster under TKO’s ownership, Otunga’s insight is a timely reminder that what wrestlers sign matters enormously — and that the gap between perception and contractual reality can be significant.

  • Kevin Nash Calls Out TKO Over WWE Releases: ‘It Was Wrong’

    Kevin Nash Calls Out TKO Over WWE Releases: ‘It Was Wrong’

    Kevin Nash TKO Contract

    WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is speaking out about the wave of roster cuts that followed WrestleMania 42, and he isn’t mincing words about the company’s direction under TKO Group Holdings.

    Nash recently addressed the post-WrestleMania 42 releases, calling out specific firings as flat-out wrong. The WWE legend also set his sights on the financial optics of the situation — pointing to the significant executive compensation packages at TKO while rank-and-file performers were being let go.

    Nash Criticizes TKO’s Financial Priorities

    According to Nash, the juxtaposition of TKO leadership raking in big paydays while wrestlers are shown the door doesn’t sit right with him. The former WWE Champion singled out Nick Khan and TKO’s reported financial growth as a backdrop to cuts that Nash believes were unjustified.

    “It was wrong,” Nash said of the releases, per recent reports.

    Nash’s comments come in the context of a broader wave of budget-tightening at WWE. TKO moved to cut costs through more than 24 releases and asked at least six talents to take pay reductions. Among those who reportedly declined a 50% pay cut were Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day — both of whom were subsequently released.

    The Bigger Picture: TKO’s Budget Squeeze

    The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported in early May that WWE asked some talent to renegotiate to lower pay, with NXT talent particularly affected. Notably, Roman Reigns was reportedly not among those asked to take a reduction.

    Nash’s frustration reflects a sentiment shared by many in the wrestling community: that the business case for the cuts is difficult to accept when TKO’s executive class continues to grow its earnings while the locker room shrinks.

    This isn’t the first time Nash has used his platform to hold WWE leadership accountable. The WWE Hall of Famer has long been one of the industry’s most outspoken voices on talent rights and business ethics inside the squared circle.

    A Growing Chorus of Criticism

    Nash is far from alone. The post-WrestleMania 42 cuts have drawn widespread criticism from current and former WWE talent, media personalities, and fans alike. The combination of high-profile releases, reported pay cut requests, and TKO’s focus on profit margin has made this one of the more contentious off-screen periods in recent WWE history.

    As more former stars speak up, the pressure on TKO to address the optics — if not the decisions themselves — is only likely to grow.

  • Jim Ross: The Truth Behind WWE’s “No Guarantees” Contracts

    Jim Ross: The Truth Behind WWE’s “No Guarantees” Contracts

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross addressed the wave of recent WWE releases head-on during the May 7 episode of his Grilling JR podcast — and his take on the contract structure at the heart of the controversy is eye-opening.

    JR explained, bluntly, that no WWE contract is truly guaranteed for its full term unless it’s been explicitly negotiated that way. And in his experience, that rarely happens.

    JR’s Straight-Shooting Take on WWE Contracts

    “When you sign a five-year deal, all of them have outs of some sort. If you don’t, you’re stupid, and WWE is not stupid.”

    That quote, delivered in Ross’s characteristically unvarnished style, gets to the core of what many wrestlers and fans have misunderstood about the nature of WWE deals. Multi-year contracts — regardless of how they’re described publicly — almost always carry provisions that allow the company to terminate early.

    Ross also addressed talent conduct, advising wrestlers to stay sharp and professional to protect their position: “Talent like wrestlers should avoid loafing to protect their careers.”

    The 90-Day Clause and Low-Money Releases

    JR noted that the majority of recent releases involve what he called “low-money guys” — talent whose base pay makes the 90-day pay-upon-release provision relatively inexpensive for WWE to execute. It’s a calculating, if cold, business reality: the less a talent earns, the cheaper it is to cut them loose.

    That 90-day period — commonly referred to as the “90-day non-compete” — means released talent continues to receive pay for roughly three months post-release but cannot appear for a competing promotion during that window.

    The Broader Context

    Ross’s comments arrive amid significant turbulence in WWE’s talent relations department. TKO Group Holdings has overseen more than 24 post-WrestleMania 42 releases, with reports also surfacing that at least six talents were asked to accept pay cuts of up to 50%.

    Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day were among the most notable departures, reportedly declining those reductions before being released. Roman Reigns, by contrast, was said to not have been approached about a pay cut.

    For Ross — who spent decades as one of WWE’s most prominent executives before transitioning to AEW — the current situation reflects a business being run with hard-nosed financial pragmatism. Whether that’s the right approach for a company built on long-term talent relationships is a question he leaves for others to answer.

    But on the legal and contractual mechanics? JR’s message is clear: assume nothing is guaranteed unless it’s written that way — explicitly.

  • NXT Wrestler Feared Being Let Go Amid WWE Releases

    NXT Wrestler Feared Being Let Go Amid WWE Releases

    Kam Hendrix recently opened up about his fears of being released from WWE, admitting he feels constant pressure to prove himself on the NXT roster.

    The 29-year-old wrestler has emerged as a fresh presence on NXT TV in recent months, going after both NXT North American Champion Myles Borne and NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo. After a Football career, he transitioned to professional wrestling and signed with WWE in 2024.

    Before making his NXT debut in 2026, Hendrix appeared on the first two seasons of WWE LFG and is currently featured on the third season. He is married to WWE Raw superstar Maxxine Dupri.

    The comments came in a new video posted by WWE previewing the upcoming LFG episode.

    “Every day, even before filming LFG, I felt like the clock was ticking on me. I know that this place has a time limit and nobody can be here forever. I know that this whole thing, everything I ever worked for, can be taken from me,” Hendrix said in the WWE video.

    The NXT wrestler continued by acknowledging the subjective nature of WWE’s roster decisions.

    “If you’re not evolving as a Superstar, evolving as a character, anyone can be let go. Anyone can be cut for any reason they want. This is subjective at the end of the day. Nobody deserves anything, you’ve gotta earn everything,” he explained.

    Recent NXT Roster Moves Spark Concern

    Hendrix’s comments came after Drake Morreaux was sent to AAA in Mexico instead of receiving a promotion to the NXT roster. The move appears to have heightened concerns among developmental talent about their standing with the company.

  • Another WWE Release Confirmed

    Another WWE Release Confirmed

    Francois Prinsloo has announced his departure from WWE. The former NXT talent shared an emotional statement on social media reflecting on his time with the company and hinting at future plans.

    Prinsloo confirmed the news on Instagram this Wednesday, posting a lengthy message thanking WWE for the opportunity and the people he met during his tenure. He acknowledged the challenges he faced and the growth he experienced as a performer.

    Prinsloo Reflects on WWE Journey

    In his statement, Prinsloo described WWE as “nothing but a blessing” and praised the coaches, medical staff, and strength and conditioning team who supported him. He mentioned dealing with multiple injuries during his time with the company.

    “WWE showed me a world I never knew that I would fall in love with, introduced me to amazing people that I will never forget,” Prinsloo wrote. “It reignited my passion and talent for acting and speaking.”

    The wrestler acknowledged that his departure came sooner than expected. “It’s been fun and hard, but hardest of all is having to accept my journey getting cut short before I could really start,” he stated.

    What’s Next for Prinsloo

    Prinsloo hinted at future plans in his farewell message, quoting advice he received about staying hungry for success. “The wolf climbing the mountain is always hungrier than the one at the top, and unfortunately, I’ve been left starving,” he wrote, adding that more details would come later.

    Stay tuned for update on his future.

  • Aleister Black in Active AEW Negotiations,  Despite Reports

    Aleister Black in Active AEW Negotiations, Despite Reports

    Recently released WWE Superstar Aleister Black, known outside the ring Tom Budgen, is in active negotiations with All Elite Wrestling, SEScoops has learned. The development directly contradicts a wave of reporting over the past two weeks that suggested AEW had no interest in welcoming the former House of Black leader back to the company.

    According to a source with direct knowledge of the discussions, those conversations are happening regardless of the public framing. Terms have not been finalized, and no agreement is in place.

    What Public Reporting Had Said

    Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that some inside AEW were unhappy with Black’s previous booking arrangement, pointing to his low loss column and the fact that his desire to leave for WWE had become obvious once Triple H assumed creative control. Meltzer added that AEW’s locker room morale is the strongest it has been in years, and that some talents are uneasy about welcoming back a star whose heart was clearly elsewhere.

    Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select softened that picture but stopped well short of confirming talks. Sapp told subscribers “the bridge is not considered burned there,” while AEW sources he spoke to did not expect a near-term return.

    AEW talent coordinator Shawn Dean publicly answered “No” on social media when a fan floated reuniting the House of Black with Zelina Vega added to the mix. Jim Ross, speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, did not say bridges were burned but cautioned that Black’s “chances are running out,” questioning his reliability outside the ring.

    From WWE to AEW, Then Back, Then Back Again

    Black was among roughly 25 talents released by WWE on April 24 in a sweeping post-WrestleMania 42 roster reduction. The cuts also took out his wife Zelina Vega, the entire Wyatt Sicks faction, Kairi Sane, the Motor City Machine Guns, and Apollo Crews.

    His exit followed speculation, reported by PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, that a power player inside TKO Group Holdings was uncomfortable with horror-inflected character work. That theory has been disputed by other reporting placing the April cuts at the feet of Triple H and Nick Khan for budget reasons.

    If a deal closes, it would mark Black’s third direct jump between WWE and AEW since 2021, putting him in rare company among talent who have moved between the two promotions multiple times. He left WWE for AEW in 2021, returned to WWE on the SmackDown after WrestleMania 41 in April 2025, and would now head back to AEW barely a year later.

    Black led the House of Black during his prior AEW run, holding the AEW World Trios Championship with Brody King and Buddy Matthews. Whether Tony Khan ultimately green-lights the reunion is another question. Resistance from within AEW remains real per the public reporting, and any agreement will require his sign-off. As of this writing, talks are active.

  • WWE Talent Releases May Not Be Over

    WWE Talent Releases May Not Be Over

    WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster shake-up may not be finished, with Bryan Alvarez warning on Wrestling Observer Live that several SmackDown names could still be at risk following the wave of departures on Saturday.

    Alvarez began by confirming what has already been established while also revealing just how fluid the situation has been behind the scenes, noting that information he received about one name turned out to be inaccurate within 24 hours.

    “As a reporter, I can tell you that The New Day are gone, JC Mateo is gone, and Tonga Loa is gone. And I can tell you, as of Friday night, I was told that Tama Tonga was gone — but it turns out he wasn’t released the next day. I don’t know what that means; I can just tell you what I was told.”

    Alvarez then pointed directly at a group of SmackDown talents he believes could be vulnerable based on how things are currently trending.

    “As viewers of the SmackDown TV show, I’d be very worried about Tama Tonga, Axiom, Nathan Frazer, and Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo. We’ll see what’s going on, but I would not be surprised if there were more names to come.”

    Tama Tonga’s situation carries additional uncertainty, given that Alvarez was initially told he was gone before that information did not hold up. Tonga is also dealing with an undisclosed injury, which further complicates the picture around his status.

    The May 2 departures included The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who mutually parted ways with the company following TKO’s latest contract offer, as well as Tonga Loa and JC Mateo. Those exits came on top of the post-WrestleMania 42 cuts that had already removed more than two dozen talents, including Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, and the Wyatt Sicks.

  • WWE Wrestlers Releases 2026 Explained

    WWE Wrestlers Releases 2026 Explained

    WWE’s massive talent cuts following WrestleMania 42 shocked fans, but the releases were primarily about roster management rather than performance issues.

    Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer revealed that nearly all WWE talent can be released at any time, regardless of their contract length.

    The cuts affected wrestlers in the middle of multi-year deals, leaving many surprised despite the standard contract language. The New Day’s subsequent departure from the company added to the upheaval.

    No-Cut Contracts Extremely Rare in WWE

    Meltzer explained the contract reality on Wrestling Observer Radio.

    “I believe that there may be one or two guys with no cut contracts in WWE, but it’s very, very few,” he said. “I know top guys who tried to get no cut contracts and they were told no, and they’re also told ‘we’re never going to cut you,’ but they still wouldn’t put it in writing.”

    It was further noted that most wrestlers sign contracts believing they have job security for the full term.

    “You think you got a contract for five years, and then a year into it they cut you. It sucks,” Meltzer stated.

    “But it’s also something that you have to know when you sign that contract that they could do unless you sign a no cut contract.”

    Roster Size Management Strategy

    According to Meltzer, the releases follow a familiar pattern.

    “The cuts are more roster size than anything else and Vince McMahon did the exact same thing,” he explained. “Most of the cuts are people in the middle of contracts. There may be one or two no-cut contracts but for 99 percent of the talent they can be cut at any time.”

    Meltzer highlighted that contract restructuring mid-term also occurred under previous WWE leadership.

    “Restructuring of contracts in the middle was not common, but it did happen under McMahon many times,” he said. “Nothing is new here.”

  • AJ Styles On Kairi Sane WWE Release: ‘She’s Doing Her Best Work Right Now’

    AJ Styles On Kairi Sane WWE Release: ‘She’s Doing Her Best Work Right Now’

    WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles recently shared his thoughts on Kairi Sane’s release from WWE.

    ‘The Phenomenal One’ admitted that he doesn’t understand the decision given her strong position on television. The former WWE Champion addressed the situation on the Phenomenally Retro podcast, making it clear the timing didn’t make sense to him.

    Styles pointed out how strong Sane’s position looked alongside Asuka, particularly as part of their tag team. He praised her recent work and questioned why WWE would make the move now.

    “Kairi Sane—yeah, I think that’s where everybody’s a little confused. With Asuka and her as a tag team, and then it just kind of… we don’t know exactly what the case is. That one caught me off guard as well because it was a great tag team thing. I feel like Kairi is doing her best work right now.”

    What’s Next for Kairi Sane

    Styles openly admitted he doesn’t have answers about Sane’s future. He threw out possibilities including a return to World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan, but made it clear nobody knows what direction she’ll take.

    “I wish I had answers—I don’t. I don’t know what this means for her. Is she done wrestling? Is she going to go back to World Wonder Ring Stardom? What’s next for Kairi Sane?” he said. “But I know she was loved, she was amazing, and I just hate that.”

    The former WWE Champion addressed speculation about Sane potentially returning to Japan, referencing her previous departure while making it clear he doesn’t believe this was her choice.

    “I will say this—the first time she left, she went home to Japan. I don’t know if that has anything to do with this. I doubt it was her choice, because I felt like she was really rolling well,” Styles explained. “But I get it—if you’re living in another country, you’re always going to want to go home at some point.”

    The Reality of WWE Cuts

    Styles zoomed out to discuss the business side of WWE releases, pointing to space, time, and money as factors rather than anything personal. He referenced other recent cuts including the Motor City Machine Guns.

    “I’m sure it comes down to space, time, and money. It’s not anything like it used to be. Even back then, guys would get cut—like the Motor City Machine Guns, I love those guys,” he said. “My biggest fear in my own career was that I wouldn’t get to finish what I started.”

    He wrapped up with a message for Sane and others in similar situations, stressing that a release doesn’t define a career.

    “That’s the tough part—you sign to do something, and you don’t get to finish it. That’s going to bother you. But don’t let it destroy who you are,” Styles said. “You made it to one of the biggest wrestling companies in the world—that says everything. We don’t know the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for you. Just keep your head up and see where the next chapter takes you. It might be wrestling, it might not—but don’t let it break you.”

  • WWE TV Production Director Gavin O’Shea Released After 25 Years

    WWE TV Production Director Gavin O’Shea Released After 25 Years

    Gavin O’Shea, a longtime television production director at WWE, has announced via LinkedIn that he has been let go from the company after an impressive 25-year tenure. O’Shea joined WWE back in 2001 and spent the entirety of his career there, describing it as a place where he “grew up,” made lifelong friends, and learned his craft.

    In his post, O’Shea reflected candidly on the emotional weight of the unexpected departure:

    “After 25 years, losing my job wasn’t part of the plan. For those memorable 25 years at WWE, I’ve seen, heard and experienced it all. After all, I grew up there, made friends and learned by doing. Like many people, I tied a piece of my identity to what I do every day. So when that suddenly changed, it felt unsettling, humbling… and honestly, a little scary.”

    Despite the shock of the situation, O’Shea shared that he is using the moment as an opportunity for personal reflection and growth, noting three key takeaways he’s processing in real time:

    • Your job is something you do — not who you are
    • Setbacks can create space for better opportunities
    • Resilience isn’t a buzzword — it’s a skill you build through moments like this

    O’Shea concluded his post on a forward-looking note, expressing gratitude for his colleagues and the experiences gained during his time with WWE, while signaling that he is open to new opportunities.

    This is just the latest in a string of behind-the-scenes departures from WWE in recent years as the company continues to evolve under TKO Group Holdings.

  • Big E Reacts to Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods WWE Exits

    Big E Reacts to Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods WWE Exits

    Big E has reacted to the surprising WWE exits of his New Day stablemates Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Fans discovered earlier today that both Kingston and Woods were removed from WWE’s official roster page, marking an unexpected end to their tenures with the company.

    Big E’s Response to the Departures

    Big E addressed the situation on social media following the news breaking, posting the following artwork on his Instagram stories by artist Jonathan Davenport, designer of ring gear worn by New Day, Cody Rhodes and more.

    The former WWE Champion’s reaction comes as fans process the sudden nature of both departures happening simultaneously.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2ddiEAYe0

    What’s Next for The New Day

    The trio formed one of the most successful factions in modern WWE history, with The New Day becoming multi-time tag team champions and cultural icons within the wrestling industry. Big E has been sidelined from in-ring competition since suffering a broken neck in March 2022.

    Kingston and Woods have been integral parts of WWE programming for over a decade each. Kingston is a former WWE Champion and multiple-time tag team champion, while Woods has held tag team gold on numerous occasions alongside his New Day brothers.

    The future of The New Day as a faction remains uncertain with two-thirds of the group now departed from WWE. Big E continues his recovery from his career-threatening neck injury, though no timeline has been announced for a potential return to action.

    Both Kingston and Woods’ contracts and the circumstances surrounding their exits have not been officially confirmed by WWE at this time.

  • New Day’s Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston Depart WWE

    One of WWE’s most beloved acts is coming to an end, with Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston departing the company.

    Fightful Select and Bodyslam report that both members of New Day are leaving WWE. Fightful Select was told the split was mutual, with both parties agreeing to part ways.

    More WWE Releases

    Tanga Loa and JC Mateo are also leaving the company as part of the same wave of departures.

    New Day, which also included Big E before his in-ring retirement following a broken neck suffered in 2022, became one of WWE’s most decorated tag teams and one of the most popular acts in the company’s recent history.

    Kingston and Woods held the WWE Tag Team Championships on multiple occasions and were fixtures on both Raw and SmackDown for over a decade.

    No further details about the circumstances of the departures or the future plans of either Kingston or Woods have been provided at this time.

  • Update On Why Kairi Sane Was Released

    Update On Why Kairi Sane Was Released

    Kairi Sane’s release from WWE was a shocker and an update has emerged on why she was let go.

    Sane was among several names cut from the WWE roster as part of post-WrestleMania 42 releases. The 37-year-old wrestler was in the middle of a storyline teasing her standing up to Asuka’s bullying and reuniting with Iyo Sky when the angle was abruptly dropped.

    The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that it was influenced by the company’s belief that she wanted to eventually move back to Japan.

    Dave Meltzer clarified the situation after outlets misinterpreted earlier comments on Wrestling Observer Radio as Sane requesting her release.

    WWE’s Decision-Making Process

    According to Meltzer, WWE’s belief that Sane would like to move back to Japan at some point factored into their decision to release her, despite her being actively involved in programming.

    “The biggest surprise on the list was Kairi Sane (Kaori Housako, 37). She was in the middle of a program where they were teasing her eventually standing up for herself against the bullying of Asuka and getting back together as a team with Iyo Sky. But the angle was dropped cold,” Meltzer wrote.

    “While most were surprised, we were told part of it was the belief she wanted to move back to Japan at some point and with that knowledge it was part of the decision making.”

    Meltzer added that “talent is rarely told the actual reason they are let go past budgeting purposes.”

    Sane Addresses Speculation

    Sane responded to speculation about her departure on social media earlier this week, clarifying that she did not request her release.

    Meltzer responded on social media to clarify his reporting, stating he “didn’t say she walked away” but rather that “this was the reason WWE gave for the release.”

  • TKO Reportedly Behind WWE’s Purge of Dark Characters

    TKO Reportedly Behind WWE’s Purge of Dark Characters

    Spooky WWE

    A backstage rumor making the rounds among WWE talents points to a power player within TKO Group Holdings as the driving force behind the post-WrestleMania 42 releases of several dark-character acts, according to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson.

    “I don’t know if there’s a pattern but I can tell you there’s been a story bouncing around among talents that someone in the TKO realm isn’t a fan of the darker characters and that’s been the blame placed on why The Wyatts, Aleister Black, Zelina, etc. were all cut,” Johnson said on the latest PWInsider Q&A. “One person even suggested to me that Undertaker being The American Badass and not The Deadman in appearances is proof of that outlook.”

    Johnson stressed that PWInsider could not independently verify the claim, but noted the account had been relayed to him multiple times over the past week.

    Who Was Cut

    WWE released more than 20 talents on April 24 in a sweeping post-WrestleMania 42 roster reduction. The departures included every member of the Wyatt Sicks: Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, and Nikki Cross. Aleister Black and his wife Zelina Vega were also among those let go.

    Each of those acts shared a common thread: horror-inflected, darker character work. The Wyatt Sicks were built around the creative legacy of the late Bray Wyatt, with Bo Dallas leading the group as Uncle Howdy following his brother’s passing in August 2023. Black and Vega had aligned as a villainous couple with overt dark-arts presentation on SmackDown.

    Zelina Vega noted during a Twitch livestream that her release call came directly from TKO, not WWE’s internal talent relations team, a distinction she highlighted publicly.

    The Undertaker Detail

    The most provocative element of Johnson’s report involves The Undertaker. Per the sources relaying the rumor, TKO’s apparent resistance to supernatural characters is evidenced by the Hall of Famer’s recent appearances in his biker “American Badass” persona rather than the iconic Deadman character he retired in 2020.

    The Deadman gimmick is among the most decorated in WWE history, winning the Wrestling Observer’s Best Gimmick award five consecutive times. The American Badass version, which Undertaker originally adopted in 2000, strips away the supernatural elements in favor of a more grounded, human presentation.

    Context and Caveats

    It is worth noting that a separate report indicated TKO did not mandate the April 24 cuts, with Triple H and Nick Khan identified as the primary decision-makers. Per that account, the reductions were driven by budget considerations rather than a directive from TKO’s ownership level.

    Those two reports are not necessarily contradictory. A preference expressed at the TKO level could influence creative direction without constituting a formal mandate for specific releases. Johnson himself did not name the individual within TKO said to hold the anti-dark-character view.

    Aleister Black’s second WWE run had been building toward a program with Randy Orton before the releases were announced. The Wyatt Sicks, who debuted to significant fan enthusiasm in June 2024, had most recently been feuding with Solo Sikoa’s faction on SmackDown before their contracts were cut.

  • Nikki Cross Files Trademark for Ring Name After WWE Release

    Nikki Cross Files Trademark for Ring Name After WWE Release

    Nikki Cross wasted no time after her WWE release, with trademark filings for her former ring name and nickname surfacing just days after she was let go.

    Both filings were made on April 28 through a company called Best in the Galaxy Wrestling, LLC, which has no prior trademark history. The filings cover Nikki Storm, the name Cross used before signing with WWE in 2016, and The Best In The Galaxy, the nickname she carried during that period of her career.

    The Nikki Storm filing covers entertainment services, including wrestling performances, televised and live appearances, online interviews, and professional wrestling events, as well as merchandise categories such as shirts, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, bandanas, and socks. It also covers printed comic books and graphic novels. The Best In The Galaxy filing covers the same entertainment services and merchandise categories without the publishing component.

    Cross was among 25 known WWE releases announced last Friday, which also included the rest of the Wyatt Sicks faction she had been a part of. The speed of the filings suggests she has a clear plan for life outside WWE and is moving quickly to reclaim the identity she built before signing with the company nearly a decade ago.

  • Zoey Stark Addresses Return Timeline After WWE Release

    Zoey Stark Addresses Return Timeline After WWE Release

    Zoey Stark has given fans the clearest indication yet of when she will be back in a WWE ring, posting on social media that she has 85 more days to wait before returning to in-ring action.

    The SmackDown star has been absent from WWE programming for an extended period, and the company has not publicly disclosed the reason for her absence.

    She wrote, “Man, I miss wrestling. I guess I can wait 85 more days.”

    Stark has been part of WWE’s main roster since her call-up from NXT, competing in various storylines on SmackDown and previously forming tag team partnerships on the brand.

    Her absence has left a gap in the women’s division, and the countdown she posted indicates she is tracking her return closely.

  • Kairi Sane Pushes Back On WWE Release Speculation

    Kairi Sane Pushes Back On WWE Release Speculation

    Kairi Sane is pushing back. Days after her shock release from WWE, and with reports framing her exit as a personal decision to move back to Japan, the Pirate Princess has surfaced with a follow-up message that directly addresses the speculation surrounding her departure.

    Posting from her @KAIRI_official account, Sane appeared to take aim at the narrative that she had stepped away from her work or her commitment to the company.

    “What I can say is I know there’s been a lot of speculation, but I truly love this work, my teammates, and my fans,” Sane wrote. “I’ve never walked away, and I’ve given my all in everything I do. I hope you’re all doing well.”

    A Direct Response To The “She Wanted To Leave” Reports

    The timing and tone of the post are notable. Earlier this week, Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the reason for Sane’s release was that she had “kind of indicated that she wanted to move back” to Japan, with Meltzer adding that the decision was not financial. PWInsider followed up by reporting that Sane had already returned to Japan and that there were no plans to reverse the release.

    Sane’s wording stops short of calling those reports inaccurate, but the phrase “I’ve never walked away” reads as a clear pushback against any framing that paints her exit as voluntary or a step back from the business.

    Fans Continue To Make Noise

    The response from the fanbase has been one of the loudest of any release in recent memory. The hashtag #WeWantKairi trended throughout the weekend, and on Monday night, “We Want Kairi” chants broke out at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas, when Asuka attacked IYO Sky to set up their Backlash match.

    Sane was a central figure in that ongoing storyline, with the angle building toward a long-rumored Sane turn on Asuka that will now never happen on WWE television. According to further reporting, WWE has no intention of reversing the decision, with the company reportedly looking to let the chants fade in a similar way to how it handled the Karrion Kross situation last year.

    What’s Next For The Pirate Princess

    Sane was in her second WWE run, having returned at Crown Jewel in November 2023. She is a former NXT Women’s Champion, the 2017 Mae Young Classic winner, and a multi-time Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Asuka as the Kabuki Warriors. Her first stint with the company ended at the close of 2021, after which she returned to Stardom in Japan.

    She was released on April 24 as part of WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts, a wave of departures that also included Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, the Motor City Machine Guns, and the entire Wyatt Sicks faction. With her contract now up and her statement leaning into love of the work rather than a goodbye, the door appears wide open for her next chapter, wherever that may be.

  • New Details On Kairi Sane WWE Release

    New Details On Kairi Sane WWE Release

    Kairi Sane was shockingly released from WWE, and amid several reports, new details have emerged about the decision.

    The April 25 cuts saw a handful of wrestlers let go. Apart from Sane, The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, and Zelina Vega have also been released.

    As per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Sane indicated she wanted to move back to Japan, prompting the company to release her despite being featured in an active storyline.

    “The Kairi thing, the reason she was cut was I think that she had kinda indicated that she wanted to move back (to Japan),” Meltzer stated.

    “The reality is, this is not a money issue. This company makes… whatever it is. The revenue between UFC and WWE and throwing everything in, the revenue’s in the billions of dollars.”

    WWE Will Not Reverse Decision

    WrestleVotes reported that WWE has no plans to reverse the release despite fan chants of “We Want Kairi” breaking out on Raw. The source explained that the company cannot set a precedent of reversing releases every time fans voice their displeasure.

    “The big part here is — could we see a reversal much like R-Truth? No. They didn’t want to bring Truth back — they caved in, broke down, and said, ‘Come on back.’ You can’t do that again within a calendar year, because every time the critics or voices get too loud, people are going to expect that talent to get brought back,” WrestleVotes stated.

    Sane Already Returned to Japan

    Mike Johnson of PWInsider confirmed that Sane has already returned to Japan, eliminating any possibility of her appearing on Raw to conclude her storyline with IYO SKY and Asuka. Johnson also dismissed claims that the release had been rescinded.

    Kairi Sane departed the company amid an active storyline with Asuka and IYO Sky. The angle centered on Asuka manipulating Sane and isolating her from Sky, with fans expecting a payoff at WrestleMania 42 that never happened.