WWE Releases Include Several Former Champions and NXT Favorites

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This week saw some unfortunate job losses at WWE’s office and talent divisions, with several high-profile superstars being released from their contracts as of today before SmackDown. According to Fightful Select, this group includes Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Cora Jade, Eddy Thorpe, Gigi Dolin, Riley Osborne, and Jakara Jackson. It remains unclear whether these individuals’ contracts were not renewed or if they were released, but we will provide updates as more information becomes available. We wish all those affected the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Many popular stars have been absent from TV for several weeks, if not months. The latest appearances were by Braun Strowman and Dakota Kai. Carter and Chance have also been missing from the screen except for a brief backstage scene. Similarly, Baszler has had limited television presence since PFC was mostly inactive following Sonya Deville’s release.

Just got a lot of free time in our hands, see you soon

— Cora Jade (@CoraJadeWWE) May 2, 2025

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of NXT superstars who were let go weren’t inactive on TV. In fact, Cora Jade and Eddy Thorpe have both made appearances on television lately. Jade partnered with Roxanne Perez at Stand & Deliver, while Thorpe competed in a Triple Threat match against Trick Williams and Oba Femi for the NXT Championship. Notably, Jade also participated in a TNA crossover event not long ago.

— 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 (@ImKingKota) May 2, 2025

Gigi Dolin, along with Tatum Paxley, made appearances on TV lately as a duo and even contested for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Conversely, Riley Osborne was last seen in the Chase U storyline, but his recent appearance is quite rare due to the temporary closure of Chase U and absence from TV. Notably, Jakara Jackson, one of WWE’s rising tag teams with Lash Legend, found herself unexpectedly released following a faction and team breakup on this week’s NXT. (Information sourced from PWInsider)

Some individuals have weighed in on the recent announcements, among them Baszler who penned on X, “There’s no one else who can match what I bring to the table, plain and simple. Let the universe self-destruct.” Jade expressed gratitude for realizing her childhood aspirations and hinted at more to come later. Stay tuned with love, Jade xoxo. Thorpe shared a departing GIF, while Kai posted a valuable GIF from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, accompanied by a heart in the caption.

If some of these releases occurred during a contract period, there would be a 90-day restriction preventing them from appearing elsewhere due to a non-compete clause. On the other hand, if some were not renewed, they can freely move to other places as soon as their contract term ends. I’m looking forward to having a clearer understanding of these details in the near future.

Wishing all those impacted by the events a swift recovery, we eagerly anticipate their return to the wrestling ring at the earliest opportunity.

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2025-05-03 03:15