New Backstage Details On Yesterday's 10 WWE Releases
New details on non-competes, broken WWE promises, and more.
WWE cut a total of 10 wrestlers from its talent roster yesterday, with John Lauriaintis reportedly calling the people personally, informing them that they were being let go due to "budget cuts." This is despite the promotion generating record profits in 2020.
Per the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, the released wrestlers are bound to a standard 90-day non-compete clause that expires on 14 July 2021, which is when they'll be free to debut with other wrestling promotions:-
Everyone WWE released today can't sign anywhere until July 14
Advertisement— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 15, 2021
One WWE wrestler told Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp that the situation is "Just an annual reminder that this is a company, not a family."
Fightful also reports that word of upcoming cuts started circulating around the company a few months ago. The outlet spoke to several people who had heard this news, asked about their job security, and been told they wouldn't be let go, only to be jettisoned by the company.
Mickie James and Samoa Joe had both been vocal about their desire to return to the ring, though WWE let them go before that could become a reality. Joe hadn't competed since February 2020 while James last wrestled in the 2021 women's Royal Rumble in January.
The complete list of wrestlers let go by WWE is as follows:-
Billie Kay
Mickie James
Chelsea Green
Tucker
Kalisto
Wesley Blake
Samoa Joe
Bo Dallas
Peyton Royce
Mojo Rawley