Every year, WWE goes through a talent purge in the first half, and 2025 is no different. This year saw several releases, including major names like Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, and Kora Jade. While these cuts help streamline the roster, there are concerns that more layoffs could still come.
WWE has confirmed not renewing contracts for talents like R-Truth and Carlito. Injuries keep certain wrestlers like Zoe Stark temporarily off the radar, making it uncertain who might be next. Some departures may be voluntary, while others are surprising, especially when WWE suddenly pushes unexpected stars like NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne. Here are 10 WWE wrestlers who seem the most likely to be released before 2025 ends:
- Cruz del Toro – Despite being signed in 2016 and showing solid wrestling skills, he lacks the unique charisma needed to stand out, making his future uncertain.
- Austin Theory – Once a top prospect favored by Vince McMahon, his momentum stalled after McMahon’s departure. Poor booking and a lack of chemistry with tag partner Grayson Waller have left him at a low ebb.
- Michin – Formerly known as Mia Yim, her WWE return hasn’t gained traction. Her current tag team role doesn’t seem to have a serious storyline.
- Santos Escobar – Serving as a manager currently, the former Cruiserweight Champion’s best days may be behind him. His advanced age and limited main roster success put his tenure in doubt.
- The Viking Raiders – Despite multiple tag team championships and recent comebacks, the duo appears more like temporary placeholders, with little to prove moving forward.
- Wendy Choo – Her unique sleeping-in-pajamas gimmick never caught on, and WWE seems to have forgotten her existence, limiting her opportunities.
- OMOS – Although still under contract, he hasn’t been featured much in 2025. His role has diminished significantly, and keeping him onboard seems questionable amid WWE’s cost-cutting efforts.
- Piper Niven (Doudrop) – After a rough start with unflattering gimmicks, she now mainly plays a bodyguard role with Chelsea Green, with limited ring activity.
- Apollo Crews – Currently injured, Crews has struggled to break into stardom despite past US and Intercontinental title reigns. His injury might be the final strike leading to his release.
- Shinsuke Nakamura – Once a major star in NXT and WWE, his role has diminished to mid-card filler, and his motivation seems to have waned, suggesting he may depart soon.
Fan Take: This wave of potential releases highlights WWE’s continual reshaping of its roster to stay fresh and competitive. For fans, it signals an exciting, if uncertain, period where new stars may emerge, but beloved veterans might sadly see their WWE journeys come to an end.
