Reason for Surprise WWE Releases Revealed: Report

Newsweek

07-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Professional wrestling fans around the world were shocked when WWE released well over a dozen Superstars from the company.
The releases included multiple tenured members of the roster, including Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai.
Updated list of released talent today:
• Katana Chance
• Kayden Carter
• Dakota Kai
• Braun Strowman
• Shayna Baszler
• Gigi Dolin
• Cora Jade
• Eddy Thrope
• Riley Osborne
• Jakara Jackson
• Gallus
• Oro Mensah
• Javier Bernal — Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 3, 2025
Needless to say, the releases confused many fans. Now, recent reports have seemingly revealed why these wrestlers were cut.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 25: Jacob Fatu in action against Braun Strowman during Saturday Night's Main Event at Frost Bank Center on January 25, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 25: Jacob Fatu in action against Braun Strowman during Saturday Night's Main Event at Frost Bank Center on January 25, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.
WWE/Getty Images
During an episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, pro wrestling insider Dave Meltzer revealed the individual reasons he was allegedly told that these wrestlers are no longer with WWE.
Meltzer indicated that the Monster Among Men may have been too pricey for what they wanted him to do.
"He is the one that the salary was too high; one person told me that they felt he was being... he was paid more than how they were using him," Meltzer said. "The reality of Braun Strowman is that ever since he had that hamstring injury, he's never been the same."
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Meanwhile, Meltzer believed that Baszler was released because of her age. It's worth noting that WWE has multiple wrestlers older than Baszler still on the roster.
"Shayna is very good at being Shayna Baszler. In WWE, at times, they let her be Shayna Baszler," Meltzer said, seemingly indicating that she was misused by the company.
That being said, Meltzer believes that Baszler and Dakota Kai will easily find homes in other promotions.
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While Shotzi wasn't released, her contract is set to expire soon, and she was informed that it wouldn't be renewed.
"So, Shotzi's contract is expired or is expiring, so in her case, she will be able to go as soon as her contract is expired; there will be no non-compete," Meltzer stated. "Shotzi's a hard worker, you know."
Shotzi has already made moves for her post-WWE career, releasing a promo on social media.
Whatever happens next I'm ready for it. Stay ballsy my friends. 💚 pic.twitter.com/PcpjZ0Vcun — Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 1, 2025
Finally, Meltzer turned his attention to the released NXT talent, saying that some were released due to not being seen as "main roster material" and others were "lazy" and "not working hard in training."
"Many of those cut were perceived as not working hard in training," Meltzer explained. "And if you don't work hard in training, there's so many people who do. And at this point, if the feeling is you're not working hard in training - I saw the term 'lazy' - the ones who are lazy are gonna be gone, and the ones who didn't stand out are gonna be gone."
This assessment was immediately met with criticism from some of the released wrestlers.
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"When I wasn't traveling to work for either of the two companies I was working for, I trained very hard 3-4 days a week, bumping my ass off and doing cardio drills with one of the best/toughest coaches I've worked with," Priscilla Kelly (Gigi Dolin) said. "And worked out every single day. With live events every other weekend. So yeah I don't wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise."
When I wasn't traveling to work for either of the two companies I was working for, I trained very hard 3-4 days a week, bumping my ass off and doing cardio drills with one of the best/toughest coaches I've worked with. And worked out every single day. With live events every other… — Priscilla Kelly (@HellsFavoritePK) May 4, 2025
Elayna Black (Cora Jade) agreed, saying, "This, plus can't forget having to go to my own gym outside of work after 'strength and conditioning' that wasn't doing anything for me other than get me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans :) crazy!"
This, plus can't forget having to go to my own gym outside of work after 'strength and conditioning' that wasn't doing anything for me other than get me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans :) crazy! — Elayna Black (@ElaynaBlack) May 4, 2025
While it's sad that these wrestlers were released, one thing remains true: all of them are incredibly talented and will no doubt find their way back to doing what they love.
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