WWE dropped a bombshell on the wrestling world on May 2, 2025, releasing 15 superstars from its main roster and NXT in a sweeping roster purge. Reported by Fightful, the cuts include former champions and fan favorites like Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Riley Osborne, Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, Jakara Jackson, and the NXT stable Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang). This move, coming on the heels of WrestleMania 41 and corporate layoffs on May 1, has sparked intense debate about WWE’s direction in a competitive wrestling landscape.
A Closer Look at the Released Superstars
The sheer volume and prominence of the released talent have left fans reeling. Below, we break down each superstar’s journey in WWE and their potential next steps, drawing on reports from Wrestling Inc. and social media reactions.
Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman, the “Monster Among Men,” is a former Universal Champion whose towering presence defined WWE’s main roster since 2013. Known for feats of strength like flipping ambulances, Strowman was a fan favorite, defeating Goldberg at WrestleMania 36 and recently feuding with United States Champion Jacob Fatu. This marks his second release, having been cut in 2021 before returning in 2022. His cryptic X post, showing him sipping a drink by a pool at sunset, hints at reflection but no clear plans. At 41, Strowman’s charisma and size make him a hot commodity for promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler, a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, brought her MMA background to WWE in 2017, earning a record 549-day combined reign with the NXT title. A three-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, she was last seen in the Pure Fusion Collective with Zoey Stark. Baszler’s X post, “No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn,” exudes defiance and confidence. Her technical prowess and real-fight credibility position her for success in promotions like STARDOM or AEW, where she could dominate women’s divisions.
Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai, a fan favorite since joining NXT in 2015, was a key member of Damage CTRL, holding two NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships with Raquel Rodriguez and two WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with Iyo Sky. Recently in contention for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, her release shocked fans, especially after she confirmed on X she was not injured. Kai’s “Ah s**t, here we go again” meme post reflects her humor and resilience, having been released once before in 2022. WrestleTalk reports interest from outside promotions, and her versatility could see her thrive in TNA or AEW’s stacked women’s roster.
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance, a dynamic tag team, each held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship together. Carter, who joined WWE in 2018, and Chance, a high-flyer since 2017, were known for their chemistry and innovative offense. Their releases, following the earlier exit of tag team champion Isla Dawn, raise concerns about the women’s tag division’s future. Both are likely to attract interest from AEW or TNA, where their teamwork could shine, or they may pursue solo careers on the independent scene.
Cora Jade
Cora Jade, a rising NXT star since 2021, was a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and a key player in storylines with Bayley and Roxanne Perez. Recently back from injury, her release prompted an emotional X post: “Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time.” At 24, Jade’s youth and potential make her a prime target for promotions like Impact Wrestling or AEW, where she could continue her ascent.
Gigi Dolin
Gigi Dolin, part of NXT’s Toxic Attraction, held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Jacy Jayne. Since 2020, her edgy persona and in-ring skills made her a standout, but her X post, “Free to work in 30 days,” signals a swift move forward. Dolin’s charisma and experience at 27 position her for opportunities in AEW’s women’s division or the indie circuit, where she could reinvent herself.
Eddy Thorpe
Eddy Thorpe, an NXT talent since 2022, was a former NXT North American Championship contender known for his Native American heritage and athletic style. Despite a strong fanbase, he never secured a title, and his release marks a quiet exit. Thorpe’s skills could find a home in smaller promotions or regional circuits, where he might build a new following.
Riley Osborne
Riley Osborne, part of NXT’s Chase U faction, joined WWE in 2022 and showed promise as a high-flyer. His release, alongside other NXT cuts, suggests a shift in the brand’s focus. At 26, Osborne’s agility could appeal to promotions like Ring of Honor or MLW, where young talent often gets a spotlight.
Oro Mensah
Oro Mensah, a charismatic NXT star since 2022, was part of the Meta-Four faction and known for his flashy in-ring style. His release ends a brief but impactful run, and his youth and flair could draw interest from European promotions or AEW’s cruiserweight-friendly roster.
Javier Bernal
Javier Bernal, an NXT wrestler since 2021, was a comedic performer often paired with Drake Morreaux. Despite fan support for his “Big Body Javi” persona, he remained underutilized. Bernal’s charisma could find a niche in comedy wrestling promotions or indie shows, where personality-driven acts thrive.
Jakara Jackson
Jakara Jackson, also of NXT’s Meta-Four, joined WWE in 2022 and brought athleticism and charm to the ring. Her release cuts short a promising career, but at 29, she could pivot to promotions like SHINE Wrestling or pursue opportunities in modeling or entertainment, as some wrestlers do post-WWE.
Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang)
Gallus, the Scottish trio of Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang, dominated NXT UK and NXT since 2018. Mark held the NXT Heritage Cup, and the group was a cornerstone of NXT’s tag division. Their release ends a storied run, but their hard-hitting style and chemistry make them prime candidates for NJPW, Progress Wrestling, or AEW, where factions are prominent.
Why the Cuts Happened
The timing of these releases, just after WrestleMania 41’s record-breaking success and a new Netflix streaming deal, as noted on WWE’s corporate site, points to a strategic overhaul. Sportskeeda suggests the cuts follow corporate layoffs on May 1, reflecting budget tightening and a focus on new talent for events like Backlash on May 17, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Former WWE writer Vince Russo criticized the company’s handling of women’s talent, particularly Kai, arguing the releases expose creative mismanagement. Main roster stars face a 90-day non-compete clause, while NXT talents have 30 days, giving them time to plan their next moves.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
Fans on X expressed a mix of heartbreak and optimism, with Zelina Vega’s emotional message to Dakota Kai resonating widely. Mojo Rawley, a former WWE star, predicted to Sportskeeda that many released wrestlers, like Strowman and Baszler, will “make a lot of money” outside WWE, given the modern wrestling landscape’s opportunities. Unlike past eras, talents can now join AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the indie scene, where streaming platforms amplify their reach.
The releases raise questions about WWE’s creative direction, especially for the women’s tag division, now depleted after losing Carter, Chance, and Dawn. With Backlash and the Road to SummerSlam looming, WWE may be betting on new call-ups or signings to refresh its roster. For now, the wrestling world awaits the next chapter for these 15 superstars, whose talent and resilience promise exciting futures.
Stay updated on WWE’s roster changes and the latest wrestling news with Geek Vibes Nation. As the industry evolves, these released stars are set to leave their mark, wherever they land.
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