New Backstage Details On Yesterday's 10 WWE Releases

New details on non-competes, broken WWE promises, and more.

by Andy H Murray
The IIconics
WWE

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:-

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.

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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:-

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Billie Kay

Mickie James

Chelsea Green

Tucker

Kalisto

Wesley Blake

Samoa Joe

Bo Dallas

Peyton Royce

Mojo Rawley

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.