Welcome to another eWrestlingNews Question of the Day!
Typically, after WrestleMania, WWE tends to release at least a few of the Superstars across the Raw, SmackDown, NXT and developmental rosters.
For example, last year, WWE released 8 people a week or so after Mania, and another 13 or so at the beginning of May.
This year, a good number of talent were released all in February, and nothing has happened since then other than Meiko Satomura’s in-ring retirement being announced on last night’s NXT, which effectively counts in some ways.
Lately, a lot of factions and tag teams have been breaking up, which is also a big sign that releases could be in the future. For example, Meta-Four just split, Roxanne Perez seems to be paired up with Giulia instead of Cora Jade, Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo just broke off from Tony D’Angelo while Luca Crusifino and Adriana Rizzo were written off television, Santos Escobar keeps yelling at Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo, Nia Jax no longer appears paired with Candice LeRae who just dropped her WWE Speed Women’s Championship to Sol Ruca, etc.
My question for you today is “Are you as worried as I am that a bunch of releases are on the near horizon? If so, who do you think is on the chopping block?”
Remember to answer with your response in the comments below.
As far as my answer…
Obviously, I’m asking the question and the way that I set this up means that yes, I do think WWE is gearing up to let go of some talent. They’ve been restructuring a lot of the rosters over the past few months, and with the 2025 WWE Draft seemingly coming up soon, as well as programs like LFG and EVOLVE showcasing some different talent, I’ve got my suspicions.
Now, before I get started with my predictions, I want to specify boldly that I do not wish that these people are fired. On the contrary, I hate hearing when people are released unless it’s clear that that’s what they wanted (as in, they requested their release and were granted it). I hope that I’m wrong and that these men and women get to keep their jobs. Zero ill will from me. I’m just doing my job as an analyst the way I would give my assessment about positive things like people who I think will get a push. This just happens to be the opposite.
Getting into it, I think Meta-Four’s breakup is going to splinter everyone off. Noam Dar is the Heritage Cup champion, so he’s fine for now (though anything can happen; people have been fired mid-push/storyline plenty times). Oro Mensah is on EVOLVE, and I think they like him as a more established name that can work with the younger talent. Once they think he’s no longer useful, he could be axed, but he’s probably safe for a while. Lash Legend, I think, is going to get called up to the main roster. Jakara Jackson, though, hasn’t progressed as well, doesn’t cut as many promos, and isn’t shining brightly. Either she’s going to move to EVOLVE or she might be nixed.
Luca Crusifino and Adriana Rizzo are potentials after being written off television like that. Look at Troy “Two-Dimes” Donovan. I hope they stick around, but I could see Tony D’Angelo being called up to Raw or SmackDown, Stacks staying in NXT, and those two being let go, unfortunately. That, or Crusifino will stay on EVOLVE, and maybe Rizzo will stay with Stacks in some fashion and is just temporarily out of the mix. We’ll see, and again, I hope they don’t get future endeavored.
I’m nervous about Candice LeRae. I think there’s a chance we could see Katana Chance and Kayden Carter go, just because of how poorly they’re utilized. Shotzi is also on my radar since they put her back in NXT but haven’t even used her much in recent months.
Where are Malik Blade and Edris Enofe? Brinley Reece is over on EVOLVE and they’ve been MIA for so long I don’t even remember when they were last wrestling.
Dakota Kai just said that she isn’t injured. Suspicious that she’s not used in any capacity.
I do think Angel and Berto are potentially in jeopardy. Tonga Loa, too, as there doesn’t seem to be a need for the full breadth of The Bloodline anymore. Injuries could prevent a release, but it depends on contracts, as they could just not renew them if they’re up. Apollo Crews is another person I think won’t have his contract renewed or could be let go, as they’ve perpetually not booked him well for years.
Karmen Petrovic just gave Ashante “Thee” Adonis the boot. Is that a sign?
No Quarter Catch Crew seems to be having issues. Whether that’s a storyline, a breakup, or a sign of doom, I don’t know, but it’s on my radar.
When’s the last time we saw Dante Chen? Ridge Holland has been quiet. Lainey Reid? I could see them giving up on Nikkita Lyons, for sure.
All of this to say again that while I’m not in any way hoping that there are releases, the pattern recognition is there and can’t be ignored. If they’re going to happen nearly every year around this time, and we’re seeing some shifts within the roster, it’s as good of a warning as can be that we might be seeing some people let go soon.
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below!
