WWE is an organization that rakes in billions of dollars annually yet still finds ways to release talent in order to boost those numbers almost quarterly. That was the news that caught the wrestling industry off guard on Friday, May 2 as several names were cut from the roster.
Kayden Carter, Katana Chace, Braun Strowman, Shayna Bazler, Dakota Kai, Eddy Thorpe, Gigi Dolin, Riley Osborne, Gallus, and Cora Jade were all released. This was stunning news for many, as it included established names like Strowman, Baszler, and Kai, while Jackson, Osborne, and Jade were three that fans looked at as prospects for the future. Many of these were called releases, but there’s still the question about whether some individuals did not get their contracts renewed.
Many fans and media members alike expressed anger and frustration with the announcements. It is one thing to see contracts run out and come to terms, it’s another to cut performers in the middle of them. Especially as the WWE finds time for “performers” and celebrities like Travis Scott, Logan Paul, and Pat McAfee, but refuses to find time for several members of the roster.
Many of the performers took to social media to release some sort of statement.
“No one can offer what I have to offer,” Baszler posted on X. “Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.”
“Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out!” Jade posted on Twitter, now going by her former name of Elayna Black. “I have a lot to say in due time. Stay tuned xoxo.”
WWE makes these cuts while business is booming
WWE is expected to release its Q1 2025 earnings reports in May but look back to the 2024 numbers for an idea of just how strong business is for this organization. In 2025, WWE’s revenue grew from $1.015 billion in 2023 to $1.398 billion in 2024.
Professional wrestling is in a different place than it was ten to twenty years ago. WWE was not only the biggest promotion in the ballgame, but it was widely considered the only option. Thankfully, companies like New Japan, TNA Wrestling, and All Elite Wrestling are available in their own ways to make moves for these performers when they become available. The independent scene is also strong in its own way as well. There’s hope that each of these performers will land on their feet.
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