WWE RELEASE former world champion alongside 14 other superstars in shock post-WrestleMania cuts

Daily Mail​

03-05-2025

In a dramatic shake-up that has rocked the wrestling world, WWE released 15 of its talents in a sudden and ruthless roster cull - just hours before Friday Night SmackDown.
Among the most shocking names shown the door are former Universal Champion Braun Strowman and former NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler, both of whom were once considered cornerstones of the promotion's future.
The news, which broke early Friday morning, sparked an immediate outpouring of frustration and heartbreak from fans online.
Strowman, known for his monstrous strength and booming presence, returned to WWE just two years ago following his initial release in 2021. His resurgence appeared to be gaining steam, but it seems even a former world champion wasn't safe.
Meanwhile, Shayna Baszler, a former MMA star, had recently formed a dominant pairing with Ronda Rousey and was fresh off a stint in the main event scene. Her sudden dismissal has raised eyebrows backstage.
Also gone is Dakota Kai, a key player in the women's division and a member of the Damage CTRL stable. Her release came despite ongoing involvement in storylines and fan enthusiasm for her work.
The tag team scene also took a hit with the release of high-flying duo Kayden Carter and Katana Chance - both of whom had made their main roster debuts not long ago to considerable buzz.
In NXT, the damage was no less brutal. Gigi Dolin, once part of the controversial 'Toxic Attraction' faction, was released alongside high-potential talents like Oro Mensah and Riley Osborne.
Cora Jade, hailed just months ago as a future face of the women's division, was also shown the door - despite being only in her early twenties and previously pegged as a breakout star.
Adding to the shock was the release of veteran manager Paul Ellering, a behind-the-scenes legend who helped guide both the Legion of Doom and the Authors of Pain to tag team stardom.
At 71, Ellering had been semi-retired, but his name still carried immense weight among wrestling purists. Sources close to WWE suggest his departure may be linked more to creative restructuring than financial reasons.
While WWE has not officially commented on the motivation behind the cuts, speculation is rife that the company is clearing the decks in preparation for another round of call-ups from NXT or a shift in creative direction following WrestleMania season.
Others believe it's part of ongoing adjustments tied to cost-cutting under the new TKO ownership, as the company pivots toward international expansion and premium live event profitability.