List of all WWE superstars released in 2025 so far
(Courtesy : WWE)
These superstars were released from their WWE contracts for various reasons
The WWE main roster is stacked with multiple superstars and talents that captivate the attention of fans. At the same time the developmental brand, NXT has one of the best women’s divisions in the entire promotion with multiple talents proving their worth after being promoted to the main roster.
However, the promotion has also released multiple talents from their contract due to multiple reasons. Sometimes, these releases help the promotion to create some space on the main roster for new talents from the developmental brand.
In the first round of releases this year, the promotion released multiple stars from their contract. Among the early names were Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, Paul Ellering, Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) and Cedric Alexander.
Pro wrestling veterans Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows also have been let go by the promotion for the second time, their second run lasted just over two years.
Former WWE Women’s World Champion Carmella has been released from her contract ending her 12-year tenure with the company and is now labeled as a WWE alumni on the company’s website. She was absent from WWE programming since early 2023 due to her pregnancy.
Ahead of the May 2 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, news broke out of multiple talents being released from the WWE, this came after the recent cuts which was made to several departments, including creative services and photography.
The string of releases includes established names like Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai as well as emerging stars in the developmental brand like Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson, and Eddy Thorpe.
Released WWE Superstars in 2025
WWE has released seven WWE Superstars from their current contracts in 2025. Here is the list of all the superstars released from the company so far this year.
- Duke Hudson
- Cedric Alexander
- Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar)
- Paul Ellering
- Blair Davenport
- Sonya Deville
- Isla Dawn
- Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
- Giovanni Vinci
- Elektra Lopez
- Carmella
- Shayna Baszler
- Dakota Kai
- Braun Strowman
- Kayden Carter
- Katana Chance
- Gigi Dolin
- Eddy Thorpe
- Javier Bernal
- Oro Mensah
- Wolfgang
- Mark Coffey
- Joe Coffey
- Cora Jade
- Riley Osborne
- Dani Palmer
- Shotzi
- R-Truth
- Carlito
Superstars who addressed their release
In an episode of her podcast named Daria & Toni Unwrapped which she hosts with Toni Berenato, Sonya Deville expressed her emotions after being released by the promotion.
“My trust in the universe allowed me to just be at peace with it instantly because you can’t fight fate. Like that chapter was meant to close and all these beautiful blessings were meant to come.
The way things happen like is there anything more like serendipitous. Like it just it happened for a reason so how could you be mad at that?oHow could you be upset or frustrated?”
The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, Isla Dawn shared an Instagram story on Saturday morning suggesting that she’ll become a free agent in the next 90 days. “Here for a good time not a long time. See you in 90”
Cedric Alexander also reacted to his release via his X handle tweeting, “Thank you for the last 8 1/2 years! Being a professional wrestler has been a dream of mine since I could form memories and I will continue to do so till the good Lord says otherwise. #SeeYouIn90”
NXT star Cora Jade was one of the first one to respond to the releases in May, confirming her release before the news broke. “Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. Stay tuned xoxo” Jade tweeted and also changed her profile name to Elayna Black, which is the name she used before she signed with WWE.
Oro Menshah also reacted to the news stating, “15 years hard work and true sacrifice to make it to WWE. Always gave it my 110% and put my whole passion and body into the artform of pro-wrestling. Thank you for all the support! love y‘all ✌🏾”
Shayna Baszler reacted to the loss stating, “No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.” She also Xavier Woods and Michin’s post appreciating Baszler and the firendship they shared.
Shotzi responded to the release, voicing optimism for the future, “I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud. 💚”
Dakota Kai and Braun Strowman also reacted to the release in their own way as Kai posted the GTA “Ah Shi*t here we go again!” meme, while Strowman just posted a picture of a drink.
R-Truth and Carlito were the most recent additions to the list as the two stars themselves announced their departure from the promotion via their X handle.
The two veterans’ contracts with the promotion will not be renewed, marking the end of an era for the comedic geniuses who had the ability to put a smile on everyone’s faces.
Following their release from WWE, a wrestler are typically subject to a 90-day non-compete clause which prohibits them from joining a rival promotion until the clause expires.
This article will be updated if more talents and stars are released from their contract by the Stamford-based promotion in 2025. Stay tuned to Khel Now for real-time WWE news, updates, and exclusives.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.
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