The Future Of Released WWE Superstars: What’s Next For Paul Ellering And Others?

The world of wrestling never remains stationary. Just when you’ve come to understand who’s where and what’s what, along comes WWE and delivers talent releases that shake everything up. The early part of February 2025 brought the next big wave of exits, which had the fan base abuzz and speculating about where these wrestlers go from here. It’s not simply a question of “where will they go?” but a matter of grasping the opportunity such releases bring about. Let us look into the possible futures of some notable names, such as wrestling legend Paul Ellering, powerhouse tag team AOP, and always-entertaining Good Brothers, and discover the tactical steps they can take.

Decoding the WWE Layoff: Not All “Cost Cutting”

It’s easy to believe all WWE releases boil down to the bottom line. While budget more often than not is a factor, the truth usually is more complex:

Creative Gridlock: Occasionally, a superstar’s vision will collide with that of WWE. In cases when a superstar feels restricted and underappreciated, a release can serve as a win-win reset button.

The Evolution Factor: The face of wrestling keeps changing. What a character liked a few years ago will no longer work for an audience today.

Strategic Realignment: WWE could realign its direction towards creating new talent or targeting specific divisions and, in consequence, have releases in other segments.

Contract Calculus: Sometimes a wrestler’s contract expires, and neither side wants to renew it.

The 90-day non-compete clause is a significant consideration. It stops free talent from hopping over to a competitor overnight and plotting and moving in 90 days’ time. It also creates a window for WWE to transition in its programming.

Paul Ellering: The Master Strategist’s Next Move

Paul Ellering is not just a manager but a builder of dominant wrestlers. His management of Road Warriors/Legion of Doom cemented his place in wrestling history forever. His latest stint with AOP showcased his ability to craft and mold dominant tag teams. What does the future hold for the manager mastermind?

The Independent Scene Game Changer: Get Ellering signed with a minor promotion and build a developing tag team into a dominant indie force. On his own, he’d draw, and his in-ring planning skill set would reward him in spades. Cast him in a “Moneyball” role when it comes to working in the indies.

The Wrestling Whisperer: After decades in the business, Ellering would be a natural fit for a trainer or consultant role. He could school young wrestlers on character development, promo work, and the psychology of the business. He could quite literally mold the future of wrestling stars.

Hall of Fame Moment: If Ellering isn’t in the Hall of Fame, alone or with the Road Warriors, then it’s a conspicuous omission. It’s long overdue for him to receive recognition for his gargantuan contribution to the sport.

The “Final Chapter” for a career: Naturally, retirement is a constant option. Ellering most assuredly deserves to enjoy the fruits of his work and have a chance to look back at a Hall of Fame career. Nevertheless, wrestling enthusiasts always hope for one additional chapter.

Authors of Pain (AOP): Releasing the Monster

Akam and Rezar, Authors of Pain, represent a modern throwback to Road Warriors: dominant, powerful, and intimidating. They enjoyed a strong run in NXT, but their stint in the main roster was tainted with spotty booking. With their release comes a chance to retell their story.

Independent Circuit Chaos: AOP would be the most dominant tag team on the indies, getting top dollar and destroying everything in their path. They’d be a wrecking ball rampaging through the indie circuit.

The “Big Three” Bet (AEW, Impact, NJPW): AEW has a space for creative freedom and big-name matches, but its tag-team division is loaded. Impact Wrestling can provide them with a chance to rebuild and get its talent over. A new type of in-ring style and global fanbase are possibilities in NJPW. There’s a reward and a risk in every possibility.

MMA Throwback? Rezar and Akam both have a background in MMA. Can they return to the cage? It’s a long shot, but it’d make for a big headliner for certain.

Singles Surprise? Despite being a tag team, Akam and Rezar could attempt singles careers. It would require them to create new characters, but it could also free them to develop hidden talent. Look at Batista striking out on his own to become a megastar.

The Good Brothers: “Too Sweet” for the Free Agent Market

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are more than just wrestlers; they’re entertainers. Their in-ring skills are solid, but their comedic timing and “too sweet” catchphrase have made them fan favorites. Their release opens up a familiar path:

Indie Gold Rush: The Good Brothers will have a following for certain in the indies. With a fan base and a reputation for assembling a strong bout, they’re an asset any promotion wants to have.

Impact Reunion: Gallows and Anderson had a successful run in Impact Wrestling, holding tag-team titles and injecting a little humor into the show. There is a high probability for a return, and it feels like a cozy fit for both involved.

NJPW Homecoming: Homecoming for The Good Brothers will have deep-rooted ties with NJPW with its affiliation with the Bullet Club. Returning to Japan will be a dream for many a fan. The Bullet Club is in a perpetual quest for new blood.

AEW Guest Appearance: A one-off appearance in AEW can be a great way in which to restart long-standing feuds or create new ones. “The Forbidden Door” is always open.

Beyond the Headliners: Spotlighting Alternative Possibilities

The releases, however, did not stop at these high-profile ones. Let’s have a quick rundown of potential channels for others:

Sonya Deville: Her contract not being renewed means she may seek opportunities outside of wrestling [1, 7].

Blair Davenport: Davenport was drafted to SmackDown. She can attempt a return to NXT UK.

Isla Dawn: Dawn is a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. She might be a free agent in 90 days [1, 3].

Giovanni Vinci: Vinci played for Imperium. He could go back to singles competition [1, 3].

Cedric Alexander: Alexander announced his release through social media. He is under a 90-day non-compete clause [2, 3, 7].

The Domino Effect: How Launches Reshape the Entire Industry

WWE releases are not standalone occurrences. They have a ripple effect and resonate throughout the entire wrestling ecosystem.

The Talent Shuffle: Established performers go to other promotions, strengthening rosters and creating new matchup options. It’s a free agency free-for-all similar to in other sports.

Creative Renaissance: Released wrestlers have a new freedom in new environments in which to exercise their creativity. They can try out new characters, introduce new moves, and have a chance to present a new and possibly even better narrative.

Fan Migration: Fans will migrate with a fan favorite to a new promotion, generating television and attendance for a new entity. It is an expression of a talent draw’s strength.

The Final Bell (For Now): Possibility in a Brighter Tomorrow

WWE releases don’t occur lightly, but such is life in professional wrestling. For the talent that is let go, it is a chance to take one’s career in one’s hands, explore new avenues, and make a name for oneself. It may be a legend, such as Paul Ellering mentoring a new breed, a dominant tag team such as AOP ruling in the indies, but whatever, nobody knows what will become of it. That’s what makes it exciting.