WWE releases multiple superstars amid ongoing layoffs

With what appears to be an extension of the talent cut, WWE has released several notable performers. Many of them were on the main list. The news, first reported by sources like X Account Wrestling Bot and Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, suggests that it will occur following a wave of corporate layoffs, via the social media post itself and internal memos.

This series of cuts coincides with a long-standing pattern of trimming WWE’s longtime talent roster when big shows like WRETLEMANIA and executive-level changes or financial budget cuts occur. It was noted that at least 10-12 employees on the company’s side of WWE were let go on May 1, 2025, and that the reduction in talent was expected to continue. They started on Friday.

Cora Jade was released from WWE four years after work

Later star Kora Jade, who had been absent from television due to injuries, also confirmed her departure. She posted a message telling X: “I got a lot of free time in our hands, see you soon.” She said, “Thank you to all the childhood dreams I was able to live! I’m doing a lot in the future. Stay tuned for Xoxo.” Jade recently wrestled at NXT Stand & Dirvidy 2025 and lost a fatal 4-way match for Tag Team with partner Roxanne Perez.

Shayna Baszler was released after a long WWE career

Shayna Baszler responded to her release with an inexplicable and rebellious message on social media. Known for her rough style and MMA pedigree, Butzler’s departure is not incredibly shocking given how often she was used on television. The leader of Sonya Devil, a pure fusion collection of malicious groups, did not renew his contract in February, and Bashler had only one match on the main roster since.

Brown Strowman has been let go of WWE for the second time in four years

Perhaps the most shocking release of the day was “The Monster of Men” Braun Strowman by WWE. Strowman returned to work in 2022 after being released in 2021.

Since his return, Strowman has been used more in supporting roles. He was on the tag team with current AEW star Ricochet for some time and was in many feuds, including the US and InterContinental Championship. Recently, he was engaged in a feud with Jacob Fatu.

Dakota Kai was released by WWE

In an astonishing move, WWE released longtime veteran wrestler Dakotakai. Kai has been featured regularly on WWE TV over the past few years, and is part of the damage from Ctrl Factions, especially Asuka, Bayley, and Iyo Sky.

Kai’s latest match revolved around chasing after WWE’s female intercontinental champion, Lyra Valkyria. Kai lost to Valkyria in the final of the Women’s Dalian Championship Tournament in January this year.

Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Katana Chance & Caden Carter have been released

Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, one of the few WWE women’s tag team champions, were also part of WWE’s roster cuts today. Chance and Carter have been rarely used in the past few months, and their final victory took place in November 2024 on an episode of the WWE Main Event against Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn (released in February 2025).

NXT has seen a rapid increase in releases

Sean Ross Sapp of Fighful also reported that Eddy Thorpe and Riley Osborne also pointed to WWE exits through social media posts. Additionally, the release of Gigi Dolin has been confirmed by Fightful Select. She wrote on her social media account: “You can officially work freely in 30 days.” Showing that she wanted to be hired, she included an email in the post.

Pwinsider’s WWE also released Jakara Jackson and Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang). Fighful also confirmed the release of Riley Osborne.

Complete list of WWE Wrestler releases in May 2025

As the story develops, this page will post about further reductions in talent.