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Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
All WWE releases post-WrestleMania, including NXT talent
WWE has released a fresh wave of talent in May 2025, just weeks after WrestleMania 41 broke attendance and revenue records. The post-Mania roster shake-up affected both main roster and NXT performers, with reasons cited as part of 'budget adjustments.' Braun Strowman's second WWE run ends Former Universal Champion Braun Strowman is among the highest-profile names released. A dominant force since 2015, Strowman returned to WWE in 2022 after a previous release and neck surgery. His recent run included a tag-team stint with Ricochet and a feud with Bronson Reed, culminating in a 'Last Monster Standing' match. WWE opted not to renew his contract despite his marquee name value. Dakota Kai exits again after injury setbacks Dakota Kai's second spell with WWE has ended. After returning in 2022 to form Damage CTRL with Bayley and IYO SKY, Kai faced two significant injuries that kept her off TV for extended periods. Despite a return to singles competition earlier this year, she failed to capture the Women's Intercontinental Title and was let go as part of the May cuts. I hope you stay on this journey with me x — 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 🎮 (@ImKingKota) May 3, 2025 Shayna Baszler departs after eight years A cornerstone of NXT and later the main roster, Shayna Baszler was released after eight years. The former MMA fighter held the NXT Women's Championship twice and the WWE Women's Tag Titles three times. Most recently, she had formed the Pure Fusion Collective with Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark before being quietly let go. No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn. — Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) May 2, 2025 NXT duo Katana Chance and Kayden Carter let go The tag team of Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, former NXT and WWE Women's Tag Champions, were also released. Their main roster call-up saw moderate success, including winning the WWE Women's Tag-team Championships, but their recent appearances were limited to mid-card bouts. Gigi Dolin and Shotzi among other female releases Former Toxic Attraction member Gigi Dolin and high-flyer Shotzi were also cut. Both had been active in the tag team scene, with Shotzi recently challenging for the North American Title and Dolin appearing alongside Tatum Paxley in cross-promotional matches. Officially free to work in 30 days thepriscillakelly@ 🥀 — Priscilla Kelly (@HellsFavoritePK) May 2, 2025 Gallus trio ends seven-year WWE stint The stable Gallus—comprised of Wolfgang and brothers Joe and Mark Coffey—were released after nearly a decade in the company. The trio held the NXT UK Tag Team and NXT Tag Team titles during their tenure but had fallen off the main TV rotation in recent months. Cora Jade departs after return from injury Cora Jade, once considered a cornerstone of NXT's women's division, also exited WWE. After a return from a torn ACL, she reignited a storyline with Roxanne Perez, only to be written off following a tag team betrayal at Stand & Deliver. See you in 29 — Elayna Black (@CoraJadeWWE) May 3, 2025 Jakara Jackson and Oro Mensah released after faction split Following the recent breakup of Meta-Four, members Jakara Jackson and Oro Mensah were released. Jackson had partnered with Lash Legend in various tag pursuits, while Mensah had previously held the NXT UK Tag Titles. Always BEEN and always GON be bout that mothafkn ACTION ✔️🧡 — Jakara Jackson (@JakaraWWE) May 2, 2025 Eddy Thorpe exits after cryptic message Former NJPW Young Lion Eddy Thorpe was also let go, just weeks after competing for a shot at the NXT North American Championship. His social media activity had hinted at an impending departure. Dani Palmer announces retirement post-release Dani Palmer confirmed her WWE exit by announcing her retirement from professional wrestling. The former NCAA acrobat thanked WWE for 'a ride until the wheels fell off' and expressed gratitude for meeting her partner, NXT Tag Champion Tank Ledger. Final cuts: Bernal and Osborne exit quietly Javier Bernal and Riley Osborne were quietly released. Osborne, once a breakout tournament finalist, had last appeared on WWE 'Evolve' programming. Bernal had primarily featured on 'Level Up' and live shows. WWE has not publicly commented on individual releases, but sources close to the company cite financial restructuring and creative redirection as key factors. Most released main roster stars are subject to a 90-day non-compete clause, while NXT talent have 30-day clauses.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE releases Braun Strowman in latest round of cuts: 3 reasons why ‘The Monster of Monsters' was an asset for the company
Braun Strowman, one of the popular names in the world of professional wrestling, was released from the WWE a few hours ago much to the shock of his ardent fans. This brought his second stint with the promotion, which started in 2022, to an end. He had previously worked with the company from 2015 to 2021. 'The Monster of Monsters' earned the love and respect of the WWE Universe with his strong in-ring and willingness to put over other wrestlers. Here is a look at why he will be missed. Braun Strowman made a menacing heel Strowman made his WWE debut nearly a decade ago as 'The Black Sheep' of the Wyatt Family and soon emerged as a monster heel. He initially squashed local talent in short matches and proved his mettle as a monster heel. His imposing physique and intense body language made these beatdowns look believable, which is the hallmark of good pro-wrestling. He in particular shared good chemistry with James Ellsworth during this time. Strowman could hang with the big guys Strowman accomplished what few have when he feuded with Roman Reigns during 2017 and scored a win over him. The big guy also put on brutal matches with the likes of Big Show and Brock Lesnar, proving that he could hang with A-list stars. Interestingly, he was cheered during his rivalry with the then 'Big Dog' despite being the villain. Strowman also added another feather to his cap when he beat the legendary Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 in 2020. He replaced Reigns in the match after due to medical reasons. He gave back to the company Braun Strowman was a true company guy who played an instrumental role in helping a couple of fast-rising superstars find a foothold in the industry. The 'Last Monster Standing' match with Bronson Reed is a shining example of his commitment to fostering young talent. Strowman sold his offence with conviction, making him look like a legitimate threat. Strowman also did the same for Jacob Fatu. This feud established 'The Samoan Werewolf' as a freak of nature and eventually paved the way for him to beat LA Knight for the US title at WrestleMania 41. Interestingly, apart from Braun Strowman the likes of Dakota Kai and Eddy Thorpe too were released as part of these cuts. For all the latest coverage on WWE, track updates here
