Shanky, Dana Brooke, Mansoor And Other Big Names Released By NXT
After announcing a massive new TV deal for “WWE SmackDown” that kicks off in October and is set to bring in a staggering $1.4 billion over the next five years, WWE swiftly decided to release some of its talent. Wrestlers were notified of their releases on a Thursday morning, and it was expected that more NXT wrestlers would follow suit, following the earlier cuts from the main roster. WWE appeared to be in a hurry to implement these changes.
Here is the confirmed list of wrestlers who have been released from WWE NXT:
1. Shanky
2. Dana Brooke
3. Mansoor
4. Mace
5. Dabba-Kato (formerly known as Commander Azeez on the main roster)
6. Quincy Elliott
7. Bryson Montana
8. Yulisa León
9. Daniel McArthur
10. Kevin Ventura-Cortez
11. Brooklyn Barlow
12. Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald
13. Ikemen Jiro
14. Alexis Gray
When you add these 14 NXT releases to the earlier departures from the main roster, the total count now stands at 23 wrestlers released from both WWE’s main roster and WWE NXT.
Despite the total of 23 releases, there has been no official confirmation from WWE or credible sources that these are the final cuts. These recent releases coincide with the launch of TKO, a media conglomerate created by Endeavor, which merged WWE and UFC parent company Zuffa. While WWE and UFC still operate independently, they do so under the TKO banner. TKO officially debuted on September 12 with a valuation of $21.4 billion, with Endeavor holding 51% ownership and WWE shareholders possessing 49%.
Earlier this month, over 100 employees, primarily off-camera WWE staff, were let go as part of cost-saving measures.
It remains uncertain whether these releases signify the conclusion of changes or if more are on the horizon.
What are your thoughts regarding the release of all 23 superstars from both the main and NXT rosters? Which departure surprised you the most, and who would you have preferred to see remain with WWE?
