WWE Releases: Every Wrestler Released In 2025

While WWE has often made significant releases once WrestleMania is in the rearview mirror, the market leader has started things a little earlier on that front here in 2025.

The start of this month saw several releases being confirmed over a number of days, although the wider release process for 2025 goes back to the very turn of the year, with NXT's Duke Hudson recently revealing that he was let go by WWE back in January. And that Hudson release has been followed by various others, with the vast majority of those names now sitting out the standard no-compete stage of their respective WWE deals.

This article is being updated in real-time as and when more WWE releases are made throughout 2025, but obviously, for those currently under the WWE banner, hopefully we won't be having to update things all that often. Either way, here's hoping all released talents soon find themselves lacing up their boots again elsewhere should they decide to remain in the industry.

So with that in mind, here's the extensive list of wrestlers who WWE has released in 2025 so far, starting with the aforementioned Duke Hudson.

Duke Hudson

While news of his release didn't surface until February, Duke Hudson was quietly released by WWE back in January.

The 35-year-old Australian had been with WWE since 2019, operating under the Hudson moniker and also his real name of Brendan Vink. Those dark pandemic days saw Vink make a handful of fleeting appearances on the main roster, tagging with TMDK man Shane Thorne, and he'd later return to NXT to take on a gambler gimmick as part of the neon-soaked reinvention process known as NXT 2.0.

As Duke Hudson, the powerhouse's greatest success came as part of Chase University, winning the NXT Tag Team Championships with Andre Chase before that faction was forced to disband at the end of 2024.

Paul Ellering

When rumblings of WWE releases first came to the fore this month, Paul Ellering was the first name confirmed to have been let go by the market leader.

One of the all-time great managers, Precious Paul's latest WWE run was quite the curious one. Returning alongside the Authors of Pain in January 2024, Ellering and AOP joined forces with Karrion Kross and Scarlett to form the Final Testament. Bizarrely, though, Ellering would rarely get the opportunity to do anything of note during that time - often standing stoically silent as others took the spotlight.

Given how he's shown himself to be such a phenomenal talker over the decades, it was certainly a choice to have Paul Ellering be part of a faction but have him barely utter a word. In fact, the most notable thing Paul did during this most recent run was be laid out by an Uncle Howdy Mandible Claw as part of Final Testament's feud with the Wyatt Sick6.

Akam

Much like the use of Paul Ellering, questions have to be asked over the use of the Authors of Pain after their WWE return.

If reports are to be believed, AOP officially returned to WWE in late 2022, although it would take until January 2024 for the team to resurface on WWE programming. One of the most dominant teams in the history of the NXT brand, not to mention achieving championship success on the main roster, Akam and Rezar had an utterly forgettable second run with the company.

What lies ahead for Akam remains to be seen, with the 31-year-old having previously launched the ill-fated Wrestling Entertainment Series with his tag team partner.

Rezar

Much like his partner Akam, Rezar was amongst those released by WWE earlier this month.

Again, considering what had been seen from the Authors of Pain during their previous runs in NXT and on the main roster, it's tough to understand why more wasn't done with AOP once they were brought back into the fold in 2024. Making this all the more confusing is that WWE is nowadays under the stewardship of Triple H, with the Game clearly having been a fan of the team during AOP's original NXT stint.

Could we somehow see Akam and Rezar relaunch their Wrestling Entertainment Series promotion? Stranger things have happened, although WES stuttered and stalled before it even properly got going last time.

Cedric Alexander

After eight and a half years, Cedric Alexander's time with WWE came to an end this month.

A former Cruiserweight Champion, Raw Tag Team Champion, and 24/7 Champion, Alexander was first showcased in WWE as part of the Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016. After impressing in that tournament - where he was eliminated by Kota Ibushi - WWE management saw enough in Cedric to give him a contract.

Most recently, Alexander had been spinning his wheels in NXT, often positioned as an on-screen mentor figure for the likes of Je'Von Evans and Ashante 'Thee' Adonis. Following his WWE release, there have already been reports that people in AEW have been pushing for Cedric to be brought in as part of the Hurt Syndicate, so that's something to keep an eye on as and when the 35-year-old's non-compete runs out. Of course, Alexander's wife, Big Swole, had a very public falling out with Tony Khan following her AEW release, so it remains to be seen whether that could impact the possibility of Cedric at some point joining AEW.

Sonya Deville

While this article is about those talents released by WWE in 2025, there's somewhat of a caveat with Sonya Deville.

Rather than being outright released, Deville was informed that her WWE contract would not be renewed once it expires in the coming weeks. As such, Sonya will become a free agent who could feasibly turn up in any other promotion once that contract is up. The very nature of a contract naturally expiring means that there is no non-compete element to navigate for a talent.

Deville signed with WWE in October 2015 shortly after that year's Tough Enough, meaning she'll have been with the company for approaching a decade by the time she officially exits WWE. During that time, Sonya's only slice of gold came in 2023 when she and Chelsea Green won the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles.

Blair Davenport

Whereas it wasn't a surprise to see certain other names being released by WWE, the release of Blair Davenport feels a little unfair on the 28-year-old Brit.

Having been moved to the main roster as part of the 2024 Draft, Davenport wasn't exactly given much of a chance to show what she could bring to the table. Blair's time on the main roster consisted of an extremely brief alliance with the Unholy Union, and then there was the tease of her doing something with Naomi.

Ultimately, Blair Davenport never really got going on the main roster, and one has to feel sorry for the talent with the way she was seemingly called up without any particular plan in mind for her.

The end of 2024 saw reports that WWE was exploring creative options for Davenport, suggesting big things could be on the horizon in 2025 for the two-time former WCPW Women's Champion. Instead, Blair unfortunately found herself released.

Given how Davenport marked herself out as a standout performer across the independent scene and likely most notably for STARDOM before joining WWE in 2021, you have to imagine there won't be any shortage of offers coming the real-life Bea Priestley's way once her WWE non-compete expires.

Karl Anderson

Of all the 2025 WWE releases so far, Karl Anderson's firing is the one that left a sour taste in the mouth of many a wrestling fans due to the fact that Machine Gun was out with an injury at the time of that release.

Anderson last wrestled in October, competing in an NXT dark match, and has since been forced to undergo surgery for a shoulder issue. As of the time of his release, it was reported that the Bullet Club founding member still had another three to six months before he was likely to be cleared to return to the ring.

It's not like WWE hasn't released injured wrestlers before, but it's something that never sits well, regardless of the situation or the talent involved. Regardless of whether you're an Anderson fan or not, firing someone when they're injured - an injury sustained in one of your rings, no less - is never a great look.

This brings Karl Anderson's second WWE run to an end, with him and Luke Gallows having had two spells as WWE Tag Team Champions during those two runs.

Luke Gallows

While his tag team partner Karl Anderson has had two spells with WWE, Luke Gallows has now wrapped up his third run with the promotion.

Before those couple of runs with Anderson as the Good Brothers, Gallows had his initial run as Festus; a run that eventually led to him dropping that gimmick and becoming a disciple of CM Punk as part of the Second City Saint's Straight Edge Society. Away from WWE and his NJPW success with Anderson, Gallows - as Doc Gallows - was also memorably a part of the whole Aces & Eights storyline in TNA back in the day.

With their history with major promotions like NJPW, TNA, and even AEW, one has to imagine it won't be long until the Good Brothers turn up elsewhere once Karl Anderson's shoulder problems are behind him.

Isla Dawn

A part of the 2018 Mae Young Classic, Isla Dawn joined WWE later that year, initially being a part of the NXT UK roster. Once she made her way to the main NXT brand in 2022, it didn't take long for Dawn to pair herself up with Alba Fyre, in turn forming the Unholy Union.

That tandem would have success in both NXT and on the main roster, picking up the NXT Women's Tag Team Titles and later memorably defeating Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles at Clash at the Castle last year.

Isla has already taken to X to proclaim how the White Witch and the Unholy Enchantress may be gone, but that fans should not grieve for her, for Isla Dawn is not dead just yet.

Giovanni Vinci

His WWE tenure was an extremely topsy-turvy one for Fabian Aichner. Introduced in the Cruiserweight Classic under his real name, Aichner impressed many in his subsequent NXT appearances, eventually signing with the promotion and becoming part of Imperium.

While Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser were called up to the main roster in April 2022, Aichner was left behind in NXT and repacked as Giovanni Vinci, a classic rich playboy. That gimmick wouldn't last long, with Giovanni rejoining Imperium at Clash at the Castle 2022 and leaving his playboy days behind despite retaining the Vinci name. And there he was, once again with his Imperium buddies, only this time on Raw... well, until he was booted from Imperium last year and moved to SmackDown.

That SmackDown run was horrendous for the Italian, with the highlight being a three-second loss to Apollo Crews. While there had been talk of WWE having significant plans for Giovanni Vinci, that ultimately didn't come to pass, with him instead being given his release.

When looking at the pure in-ring talent of Fabian Aichner, any promotion on the planet would do well to swoop in and give him a look when he's free and able to compete elsewhere.

Elektra Lopez

What made Elektra Lopez's WWE release particularly surprising, is that the talent was seen on SmackDown on the very same night she was let go.

On that particular SmackDown, Elektra was featured in a backstage segment with Legado del Fantasma and the Mother City Machine Guns. By the time that weekend was done, news surfaced that Lopez was one of the several talents released by WWE on that Friday night.

Having signed with WWE in early 2021, what many might not know about Elektra Lopez is that she's a second-generation wrestler, following in the footsteps of her father José Rivera. For those watching WWF programming in the 1980s, Rivera is better known as perennial enhancement talent Steve King.

Before landing in WWE, Elektra had a spell in Ring of Honor, and it remains to be seen whether a potential ROH return could possibly be in the New Jersey's future down the line.

Carmella

Much like the WWE exit of Sonya Deville, Carmella wasn't released by the market leader, per se. More, this was a case of WWE instead opting to simply let the former SmackDown Women's Champion's prior deal expire without renewal.

Fightful Select broke the news in February, with it said that Carmella's contract expired "recently", though no more specifics were given.

'Mella last wrestled for WWE at a March 2023 live event, teaming with Damage CTRL and Piper Niven in a losing effort against Becky Lynch, Asuka, Bianca Belair, Nikki Cross, and Candice LeRae at a Madison Square Garden house show. In terms of TV, the second-generation star's final televised match was a loss to Belair earlier that month.

As well as being a former SmackDown Women's Champion, the Princess of Staten Island's time with WWE also saw her win the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles with Zelina Vega and become a four-time 24/7 Champion.

Braun Strowman

Burly Braun Strowman was one of the more surprising exits announced during an always-brutal post-WrestleMania 41 roster cull. WWE released no less than 15 names in one go, then another was added shortly after the main group. Braun was a shocker due to his recent top work opposite new United States Champ and main event megastar in the making Jacob Fatu on TV.

Strowman played a huge role in readying Fatu for even better things under the WWE banner, which he can be proud of. His second stint with the market leader has ended though, so who knows what's next for Braun? AEW rumours will always be there, but he could pop up anywhere.

Or, perhaps he fancies laying low for a while.

Shayna Baszler

Social media seems to believe that it's only a matter of time before ex-MMA badass Shayna Baszler shows up as part of the ongoing Death Riders storyline over in AEW. Being fair, Shayna's no nonsense approach would be a neat fit for Jon Moxley's faction, but a lot of this is mere fan guesswork; there's nothing wrong with that, of course, but it is.

Baszler was cut loose on 2 May following a good few years of struggling to really make an impact. Her Pure Fusion Collective tag-team alongside Zoey Stark wasn't doing much on TV (and continued to suffer following Sonya Deville's own departure), and there had been a big ol' question mark above Shayna's head since her ill-received 'MMA Rules' scrap vs. Ronda Rousey way back at SummerSlam 2023.

Dakota Kai

Eyebrows were raised all over the place once news spread that promising female star Dakota Kai had left WWE for the second time in early-May. Previously, Kai had decided not to renew her contract with the company back in 2022, but it honestly seemed like she'd fare better under Triple H's watch than she ever did when Vince McMahon was calling the shots.

Not quite.

Damage CTRL dissolving proved to be a nightmare for Dakota. Members like IYO SKY and former leader Bayley have thrived at points, but Kai's biggest spot was putting Lyra Valkyria over in the tournament to crown a first ever Women's Intercontinental Champion. It wouldn't be a shocker if there's huge interest in Dakota elsewhere.

Katana Chance & Kayden Carter

Without being cruel, it's fair to say that Katana Chance and Kayden Carter were always on fan lips when people discussed which members of WWE's roster might be released next. Together, the pair did become Women's Tag-Team Champs, but that's never been a guarantee of support from the office - WWE still treats those belts like a necessary evil.

Also, Chance and Carter routinely played before silence whenever they appeared in front of live crowds. Here's hoping they can go away and find themselves in another company, then maybe come back stronger. You never know! This setback could be the making of both.

Fingers crossed.

Cora Jade

Until recently, Cora Jade seemed destined to become a marquee player in the women's division on either Raw or SmackDown. She'd been a focal point on NXT programming for years, and had worked a memorable rivalry opposite fellow standout Roxanne Perez. Jade had even shown up on the TNA scene due to WWE's working relationship with the smaller company.

Her departure from WWE in early-May caught many off guard.

Top star CM Punk was quick to show support for his friend after her release. The WrestleMania 41 headliner (which must feel great for Punk to finally say!) has encouraged Cora to show what she's capable of and prove the promotion wrong.

Gigi Dolin

Strangely, Gigi Dolin's last match under WWE's umbrella saw her team with Tatum Paxley to vie for the Women's Tag-Team Titles on the 22 April episode of NXT. Dolin and Paxley failed to take the belts from Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on that occasion, but there must've been some viewing the bout as something of a main roster audition for Gigi.

After all, she'd thrived as part of Toxic Attraction and then post-Mandy Rose for years, so it wasn't outlandish to expect that Dolin was Raw or SmackDown bound. Sadly not. She was one of the initial 15 cast out on 2 May.

Eddy Thorpe

If there's one thing pro wrestlers and pro wrestling fans alike have learned about WWE, it's that unpredictability rules the day. On paper, Eddy Thorpe seemed to be making all the right noises on NXT before being released in early-May. He did beat rising star Trick Williams in a 'Strap Match' at Vengeance Day in mid-February, after all.

That proved to be a false dawn for his WWE ambitions.

Thorpe might well return to New Japan (he enjoyed a fine four-year stint overseas after becoming part of NJPW's LA Dojo intake in 2018, and even won the Young Lion Cup in 2019) or try his luck in other groups such as AEW, TNA and the like. TNA would be ever so slightly ironic due to WWE's ties.

Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang)

That's a wrap on Scottish trio Gallus in WWE, at least for now.

Both Joe and Mark Coffey were released alongside real-life pal (and fellow ICW alumni) Wolfgang on 2 May. Reports from behind the scenes had suggested that NXT boss Shawn Michaels had been high on Joe Coffey in particular for a long time. That's probably still true, but HBK's influence wasn't enough to save the threesome from being shoved through WWE's exit.

These savvy veterans will be fine long term. They've got a lot to offer, have bags of experience, and could help sell some tickets on the independent scene back home. Good luck to both The Coffeys and Wolfgang.

Riley Osborne

Chase U becoming old hat on NXT programming wasn't great news for Riley Osborne. WWE lost interest in the stable and abandoned it, which left Riley a little rudderless on the developmental show. Since then, he hasn't been doing much of note other than working a few inconsequential matches here or there.

It's worth pointing out that Osborne is married to fellow 2025 releasee Blair Davenport/Bea Priestley. This must be a tough time for the couple, so fingers crossed they're still happy and can find plenty of work to keep them ticking over for the rest of the year and beyond.

Jakara Jackson

Whilst hardly as high profile as other women's division releases like Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai or even Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson's departure has come as a slight surprise. She and regular tag partner Lash Legend had been showing up sporadically on SmackDown since late-2024, and the pair seemed to have bags of personality/potential as a main roster unit.

Jackson's Meta-Four faction on NXT splintered in late-April, which ultimately spelled disaster for her time in WWE's system. She was another who was part of the 2 May post-WrestleMania release crew. At 30 years of age, she still has plenty of good in-ring years ahead of her.

Don't be shocked if WWE come calling again someday.

Oro Mensah

Another Meta-Four member started off as an enhancement worker called Oliver Carter in 2019 before eventually becoming NXT's Oro Mensah in 2022. He then joined Noam Dar, Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend in the faction, but didn't really have any noteworthy success in the company beyond an NXT UK Tag-Team Title alongside Ashton Smith near the start of his run.

Mensah was one of the clutch let go from his contract in early-May 2025. At 29, he may well have a sizeable chip on his shoulder and seek the chance to prove himself in other companies soon. AEW boss Tony Khan might be interested, especially if he needs someone to help pad out the ROH roster.

Just a guess.

Javier Bernal

At least Oro Mensah got to show some of his wares on television this year. Poor Javier Bernal didn't really get that chance - he was almost exclusively deployed on NXT live events on the road, or on select online streams for feeder group Evolve. Other than that, his only scraps on WWE's main roster came via enhancement matches on SmackDown and C/D level programming like Main Event.

You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about Bernal at all. He was barely featured during his three year stint on WWE's books.

Dani Palmer

The now-retired Dani Palmer is another who struggled to get more houseroom on WWE programming beyond Evolve shows or peripheral TV like NXT Level Up. At best, the rookie was in a borderline enhancement worker role for others on the NXT roster after debuting in 2022. Palmer never progressed much as an ongoing concern who was taken seriously, being honest.

She wasn't in the group of 15 names let go on 2 May, but instead announced her WWE departure the following day and promptly retired from the pro wrestling biz. The former acrobat had been recruited with high hopes in 2022. She'd never actually properly get going before being cut though.