WWE has released a fresh wave of talent in May 2025, just weeks after WrestleMania 41 broke attendance and revenue records. The post-Mania roster shake-up affected both main roster and NXT performers, with reasons cited as part of “budget adjustments.”
Braun Strowman’s second WWE run ends
Former Universal Champion Braun Strowman is among the highest-profile names released. A dominant force since 2015, Strowman returned to WWE in 2022 after a previous release and neck surgery.
His recent run included a tag-team stint with Ricochet and a feud with Bronson Reed, culminating in a “Last Monster Standing” match. WWE opted not to renew his contract despite his marquee name value.
Dakota Kai exits again after injury setbacks
Dakota Kai’s second spell with WWE has ended. After returning in 2022 to form Damage CTRL with Bayley and IYO SKY, Kai faced two significant injuries that kept her off TV for extended periods.
Despite a return to singles competition earlier this year, she failed to capture the Women’s Intercontinental Title and was let go as part of the May cuts.
Shayna Baszler departs after eight years
A cornerstone of NXT and later the main roster, Shayna Baszler was released after eight years. The former MMA fighter held the NXT Women’s Championship twice and the WWE Women’s Tag Titles three times.
Most recently, she had formed the Pure Fusion Collective with Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark before being quietly let go.
NXT duo Katana Chance and Kayden Carter let go
The tag team of Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, former NXT and WWE Women’s Tag Champions, were also released.
Their main roster call-up saw moderate success, including winning the WWE Women’s Tag-team Championships, but their recent appearances were limited to mid-card bouts.
Gigi Dolin and Shotzi among other female releases
Former Toxic Attraction member Gigi Dolin and high-flyer Shotzi were also cut. Both had been active in the tag team scene, with Shotzi recently challenging for the North American Title and Dolin appearing alongside Tatum Paxley in cross-promotional matches.
Gallus trio ends seven-year WWE stint
The stable Gallus—comprised of Wolfgang and brothers Joe and Mark Coffey—were released after nearly a decade in the company.
The trio held the NXT UK Tag Team and NXT Tag Team titles during their tenure but had fallen off the main TV rotation in recent months.
Cora Jade departs after return from injury
Cora Jade, once considered a cornerstone of NXT’s women’s division, also exited WWE.
After a return from a torn ACL, she reignited a storyline with Roxanne Perez, only to be written off following a tag team betrayal at Stand & Deliver.
Jakara Jackson and Oro Mensah released after faction split
Following the recent breakup of Meta-Four, members Jakara Jackson and Oro Mensah were released.
Jackson had partnered with Lash Legend in various tag pursuits, while Mensah had previously held the NXT UK Tag Titles.
Eddy Thorpe exits after cryptic message
Former NJPW Young Lion Eddy Thorpe was also let go, just weeks after competing for a shot at the NXT North American Championship. His social media activity had hinted at an impending departure.
Dani Palmer announces retirement post-release
Dani Palmer confirmed her WWE exit by announcing her retirement from professional wrestling.
The former NCAA acrobat thanked WWE for “a ride until the wheels fell off” and expressed gratitude for meeting her partner, NXT Tag Champion Tank Ledger.
Final cuts: Bernal and Osborne exit quietly
Javier Bernal and Riley Osborne were quietly released. Osborne, once a breakout tournament finalist, had last appeared on WWE “Evolve” programming. Bernal had primarily featured on “Level Up” and live shows.
WWE has not publicly commented on individual releases, but sources close to the company cite financial restructuring and creative redirection as key factors.
Most released main roster stars are subject to a 90-day non-compete clause, while NXT talent have 30-day clauses.
