Kacy Catanzaro revealed that after nearly eight years with WWE, her release from the company came as a complete surprise. In an interview with Chris Van Vriette, she detailed subtle changes leading up to her departure on May 2, 2025, offering rare insight into how releases unfold behind the scenes in WWE.
At first, Catanzaro didn’t sense any trouble. She recalled, “I was genuinely surprised. It wasn’t on my radar, and although I tried to see the lead-up, I didn’t catch on at first.” The warning signs began when she was transferred from Raw to SmackDown during the February 2025 shakeup. Initially optimistic about the move, she later questioned the timing, especially as Raw’s new home on Netflix changed plans unexpectedly.
Once on SmackDown, the opportunities she hoped for didn’t materialize. Catanzaro, along with Kayden Carter and Zelina Vega, experienced repeated delays with their planned six-woman tag team matches against Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, and Alba Fyre, which were eventually canceled entirely during the WrestleMania season.
Odd signals also came through charity event invitations. While Catanzaro was allowed to attend, NXT wrestlers initially slated for the same event were suddenly barred. One NXT wrestler even messaged her, hinting at upcoming releases, fueling speculation. Despite this, Catanzaro remained hopeful—joking with her boyfriend about whether he’d still love her if she got released, not expecting it to be real.
Further signs included the lack of travel that week, but she hadn’t been officially informed yet. The reality hit when she got a call while working out in her garage. Initially ignoring the unfamiliar Connecticut area code, she answered the second call and immediately knew what it meant. The conversation was brief and surreal, making the moment feel almost detached from her body.
Reflecting on her WWE career, Catanzaro noted the insecurity wrestlers face. “There’s always a joke that you can be fired at any moment. It keeps everyone on edge.” Ironically, she had survived multiple previous rounds of cuts, including major layoffs during the pandemic era, making this final release even more unexpected.
Interestingly, her first concerns after getting released were practical: asking about treatment for her twice-broken nose and reclaiming her Instagram handle. Now, looking ahead, she’s unsure if she wants to continue wrestling, recognizing she still has “many possibilities I didn’t get to explore.”
Fan Take: This news highlights the uncertain and often harsh realities WWE talent face, reminding fans that even seasoned performers can face sudden changes. For the wrestling world, Catanzaro’s exit could signal a shift in storytelling and roster focus, affecting the future opportunities for women in the sport.
