All WWE superstars released on 2 May, 2025

Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler & Dakota Kai, among others released by WWE on May 2!

On Thursday, PWInsider reported that at least 10 WWE staff members were let go on Thursday, with cuts affecting several departments, including Photography and Creative Services. Among those released was Christine Lubrano, who served as Senior Vice President of Creative Writing Operations.

However, the promotion continued the layoffs as multiple talents were released ahead of the May 2 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, a move that shocked fans and caught talents off guard who had to perform as scheduled on the SmackDown show in Iowa.

Among the stars who were released recently were multiple established names, including Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai. While Kai and Baszler were assigned to the Monday Night Raw brand, Strowman competed on SmackDown.

The layoffs also included major rising stars from the developmental brand, NXT as Cora Jade, Eddy Thorpe, and Jakara Jackson were among the talents who were released recently.

Full list of WWE releases (as of now)

• 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

While the news of these releases has been nerve-wrecking for fans and especially for these stars, multiple sources state that there might be more releases underway. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has also confirmed that he is working on confirming if more talents have been released by the promotion.

Dani Palmer and Shotzi are the most recent additions to the list as Palmer herself revealed that she was part of the releases, while Shotzi was informed that the promotion will not be renewing her contract, which is coming up soon. She has been moved to the Alumni section on WWE’s official roster site.

Meanwhile, some talents released by the promotion have reacted to the layoff, including NXT star Cora Jade who herself informed her fans about the layoff, tweeting, “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.

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