WWE: reactions after more cuts on another Black Friday

I feel like I should add “August edition” to this article’s title. I last wrote a piece like this just six weeks ago. While Friday Night SmackDown was airing and amid talks to re-sign Adam Cole, WWE heartlessly laid off more talent. This is the sixth round of cuts since WrestleMania 37 and the seventh since the pandemic began.

The names came unexpectedly and quickly. This comes just six days after the surprising release of Bray Wyatt. Last Tuesday, WWE Hall of Famer, Ric Flair was granted his release. Once again, NXT and 205 Live were hit the hardest.

As of this writing, the following have been released:

-Bronson Reed

-Bobby Fish

-Mercedes Martinez

-Asher Hale

-Ari Sterling

-Jake Atlas

-Desmond Troy

-Kona Reeves

-Stephon Smith

-Leon Ruff

-Tyler Rust

-Giant Zanjeer

-Zechariah Smith

Former WWE talent speak out after untimely releases

Bronson Reed was the first person to make a statement after their release. And what a statement it was:

On Sunday, Reed shared more about what the last two days were like:

Ari Sterling quickly sent out a few tweets, including a funny response about his match against KUSHIDA that aired on 205 Live shortly after his firing.

KUSHIDA tweeted about his opponent:

Earlier on Friday, Atlas tweeted that it was his five year wrestling anniversary.

A confident quote:

Desmond Troy sounds very confident following his release:

https://twitter.com/DesmondTroyWWE/status/1423838601989836800?s=20

Kona Reeves is thankful for his opportunity:

Asher Hale isn’t ready to convey his thoughts yet:

Prior to this, he retweeted his former tag team partner, JD Drake:

Hale also tweeted about some future goals:

On Sunday, Hale finally revealed his thoughts:

Leon Ruff had his final match air on 205 Live air after his firing. He had nothing but positive words the day after.

Tyler Rust hasn’t made any comments, but did retweet Mikey Nicholls:

While Bobby Fish hasn’t posted a statement, he’s been active on Instagram with pictures out with friends and a boomerang with his wife.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSTICEusbIa/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSTIZnBsjCE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Wrestlers share their thoughts

WWE Superstars and other wrestlers tweeted their love and support.

NXT North American Champion Swerve Scott with the sentimental message:

https://twitter.com/DakotaKai_WWE/status/1423849071278792708?s=20

AEW star Serpentico didn’t mince words:

ROH announcer Ian Riccaboni summed up what many of us think:

David Bixenspan tweeted his befuddlement of Anthony Henry’s release:

WWE HOF’er Ricky Morton doesn’t get it either:

Chris Jericho had this to say about AEW:

Eddie Kingston has some positive advice:

WWE is changing direction with NXT

According to a Fightful Select report, a high-level official said that in 2018, WWE entered “talent slashing” mode with many under the impression that it was with “honest intentions.” The report goes on to say that “many pitches involved collecting talent, developing Performance Centers worldwide, and supplementing them with native and international talent.”

Fightful was also told that “Vince McMahon can personally put a stop to any of these.” Releases will continue regularly, but the official personally thinks “2021 will be an outlier with both the frequency and the level of talent.”

More has come to light from Wrestling Observer that McMahon was behind the cuts. He also wants to completely rebrand NXT and revert back to young guys and bigger men. Dave Meltzer is predicting more cuts.

With 20 weeks left on the year, there’s still a very good chance I’ll be writing these pieces for the remainder of the year.

As always, we recommend that you find ways to support talent that’s been cut. If possible, buy their merchandise, subscribe to their Patreons, YouTube, and Twich channels. Support indie wrestling so that they have places to go. Retweeting/re-sharing their posts is a free way to support them.

Stay tuned to Daily DDT for the latest.