WWE: Samoa Joe, Mickie James, Billie Kay, and others released

Big WWE roster news broke on Thursday as multiple names were released from the promotion. According to the WWE official social media accounts and additional reports, Billie Kay, Mickie James, Kalisto, Chelsea Green, Wesley Blake, Samoa Joe, Bo Dallas, and Tucker were all released.

WWE sent out a standard tweet announcing the release of Kay and James, wishing them the best in their future endeavors. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful confirmed the release of the other names throughout the day as news broke. Tucker took to his own account to state “Freedom,” when the news broke of his release.

These releases came out of the blue. Kay was recently involved in the Women’s Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania less than a week ago. Chelsea Green was an individual that multiple believed leadership were keen on and it was expected that she would be involved in the women’s division after recovering from the injury to her wrist. Tucker was used sparingly since the split of Heavy Machinery, as was Blake who was not on television since Steve Cutler was released earlier in 2021.

Samoa Joe was also released in this group. The former NXT champion hadn’t reached the same heights on the main roster, but fans often desired to see him back in the ring. He transitioned to the commentary booth and was well received, but was taken from that post days after WrestleMania.

James is one the biggest names in this group, as she is a multiple-time champion within the WWE and other major promotions. She recently was open about the differences of view on women’s age in professional wrestling, taking to social media to make a statement about double standards. These cuts come all one year to the day when WWE did an initial round of layoffs, citing the COVID-19 pandemic even as the promotion was in the middle of a record-breaking revenue year.

For news about these layoffs and more, stick to Daily DDT.