Backstage Update On WWE Releases
The latest on Friday's releases of Indus Sher, Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn.
WWE made waves Friday when they quietly released five wrestlers less than two weeks after their much-touted most successful WrestleMania of all time.
Fightful Select reports that the company internally cited the releases of Indus Sher (Jinder Mahal, Sanga and Veer), Xia Li and Xyon Quinn as "budget cuts," though it's unclear what was relayed to talent. WWE higher-ups told the outlet that the releases were a combination of not appearing on television due to "creative not having anything for the talent" and upward trajectory -- or a lack thereof -- based on progression and time spent with the company.
Unlike previous releases, there were no memos about the releases sent to talent or staff, leaving several wrestlers to find out at SmackDown as the news came in. There were no reported incidents of heat that contributed to the releases, and generally the wrestlers released appeared to be well-liked, according to Fightful.
Fightful noted that Mahal had been at NXT recently and reportedly was very helpful and willing to give advice to anyone who wanted it. Although Jinder stated on X (formerly Twitter) that he "quit," Fightful confirmed that he had in fact been released.
Drew McIntyre, who was famously released and returned to become world champion, posted his support for his former 3MB stablemate, to which Mahal replied, "Comeback Kingz."
We showed them once. Now show them again, brother. pic.twitter.com/wPy4RbVmTt
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) April 20, 2024
Jinder, Veer and Sanga appeared to take shots at WWE releasing its highest-profile Indian wrestlers, with Veer posting Saturday, "When it comes to the honor and respect of Indians, sacrifice comes first. Good Bye WWE." Jinder replied with fist bumps. As reported on Fightful, Sanga posted a video that in part criticized WWE for wanting viewership from fans in India, but they were "not ready to give opportunities" to the "talent of India."
Interestingly, Xia Li was actually advertised for Monday's battle royal to crown a new WWE Women's World Champion, but Fightful was told that the graphics team hadn't been made aware of the impending release.