Indi Hartwell, Tegan Nox, and Baron Corbin set to depart WWE

Some stunning news broke on Friday as Indi Hartwell, Baron Corbin, and Tegan Nox are departing WWE. Corbin’s contract is set to expire and WWE is not planning to renew it, while Nox and Hartwell were released. The wrestling community was caught off guard as each individual had their own unique offerings that will be missed in the company.

At 28-years old, Hartwell is perhaps the most stunning of the three releases. She found success while in WWE NXT, capturing the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Candice LeRae, and winning the NXT Women’s Championship as well. That momentum never followed her to the main roster, but there was a strong contingent of fans that wanted to see her find some semblance of success when she was moved up from NXT.

Nox is a painful story, as she continues to fight back to the ring after suffering so many knee injuries. Even after regaining her health this time around, WWE did not use her much at all. Her last match was back in July when she was defeated by Blair Davenport. Her last televised match was on Monday Night Raw in April. Nox built up a cult following before stepping into WWE via the Mae Young Classic. Every time it looked like she was building momentum, it came crashing to a halt via injury or being kept off television.

Then there’s Baron Corbin. Corbin was with the WWE for 12 years, and the verdict on his tenure in the company will certainly be mixed. There were times when fans were firmly behind his push, then moments where the idea of another Baron Corbin match or segment caused most to roll their eyes. When he was given the opportunity to be more of himself, he excelled, often getting over whatever was put in front of him.

Performer releases are always a tough point in this business. These performers have fans that support them, and oftentimes families themselves to support. The industry is in a better position as there’s more competition for those individuals that hope to continue wrestling. Here’s wishing the best to Baron Corbin, Tegan Nox, and Indi Hartwell.