Backstage Insight Into WWE’s Latest Round of Releases

WWE’s latest talent purge caught fans off guard, with some unexpected names making the list of recent departures. Among those released were big-name veterans like Braun Strowman and emerging stars such as Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin. But behind the scenes, there’s more to the story than just trimming the roster — and according to reports from Wrestling Observer Radio, the reasons vary significantly from talent to talent.

Braun Strowman’s Price Tag May Have Been Too Much

When it comes to Braun Strowman, the reason for his release appears to be pretty straightforward: money. Dave Meltzer reported that sources within WWE felt Strowman’s salary far outweighed his current usage and value to the company. Since suffering a serious hamstring injury, the towering former Universal Champion hasn’t returned to the dominant form he once displayed — which made it tough for management to justify his hefty paycheck.

Age and Upside Factor Into Several Cuts

Meltzer also suggested that age and limited potential for growth played a role in a number of the decisions. Shayna Baszler’s release, for instance, was reportedly due to her age, despite her unique presence and in-ring credibility. WWE never fully leaned into what made Baszler special during her run, and it seems that inconsistency caught up with her.

Injury Concerns and Career Trajectories

Dakota Kai is another notable name whose release raised eyebrows. Meltzer hinted that WWE viewed her as injury-prone, though he believes AEW or TNA could be logical next steps for her. Shotzi, whose contract is expiring, wasn’t technically released, but with no non-compete clause in her case, she’ll be free to work elsewhere once that deal is officially up. Her hustle and resilience have earned her plenty of respect backstage, which could help her land on her feet quickly.

NXT Stars Struggle to Break Through

The cuts also hit WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, especially hard. Cora Jade, once seen as a breakout star, reportedly never regained her momentum after returning from injury. Gigi Dolin, a standout from the Toxic Attraction era, is said to have plateaued, with WWE uncertain about her long-term main roster potential.

Eddy Thorpe and Riley Osborne were also part of the talent sweep. Thorpe was reportedly let go because the company didn’t see him as a main roster fit, while Osborne’s release wasn’t performance-based, and Meltzer even floated the idea that AEW could give him a look. As for Dani Palmer, despite strong athleticism, she seemingly never gained enough internal support within NXT, and a recent injury didn’t help her case.

Palmer has since announced that she is retiring from pro wrestling due to getting injured in her last match against Kali Armstrong on WWE’s Evolve show, in February. She disclosed that she tore her knee in that match.

Work Ethic a Quiet Factor?

Finally, there’s an undercurrent to all of this that can’t be ignored. Meltzer noted that sources hinted at some of the cuts being tied to a perceived lack of effort in training. While no names were confirmed in that regard, it suggests WWE is paying closer attention to behind-the-scenes dedication as much as on-screen performance.

With so many promotions now in play — from AEW to TNA and even global independents — many of these talents will have the chance to reinvent themselves elsewhere. But this latest round of WWE releases is another reminder that in today’s wrestling landscape, no spot is ever guaranteed.

WWE NXT Preview 5/6/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW at 8/7c.

  • NXT Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal
  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Giulia
  • TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank vs. DarkState
  • Kelani Jordan vs. Zaria

AAA Announces TripleMania Regia, Featuring JBL, WWE and TNA Talent — Just Days Before AEW’s Mexico Debut

Mexican promotion AAA is ramping up its presence on the wrestling calendar in a major way. During a press conference this week, the legendary Mexican promotion announced TripleMania Regia, set for June 15, 2025, at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The event is shaping up to be a massive showcase — not just for AAA’s homegrown talent, but also for stars from TNA Wrestling and WWE.

This will mark the first major event held under AAA’s new ownership umbrella, as WWE continues to finalize its acquisition of the lucha libre promotion. Thanks to that developing relationship, several WWE names are already confirmed for the card. Tag team duo Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza — both of whom have history in AAA — are officially set to appear, alongside AAA stalwarts like Alberto El Patrón, Psycho Clown, and Hijo del Vikingo. WWE Hall of Famer JBL is also advertised to appear, having made prior guest appearances with the promotion.

Though no matches have been announced yet, the inclusion of talent from TNA (via their ongoing partnership with WWE) adds another layer of intrigue to the event. With the newly revived Worlds Collide set to take place just one week earlier on June 7 at the Kia Forum in California, TripleMania Regia could serve as a follow-up celebration of cross-promotional wrestling with deep international flavor.

But not everyone is thrilled with the timing.

The June 15 date has stirred controversy, as it lands just three days before AEW is scheduled to host its first-ever television event in Mexico, AEW Grand Slam Mexico, on June 18 at Arena Mexico. The overlap hasn’t gone unnoticed, with AEW’s Tony Schiavone taking a jab at the timing, implying AAA and WWE’s announcement may have been a strategic counter.

Meanwhile, WWE is leaning into lucha tradition as it looks to bolster its foothold in the Latin American market. Rey Mysterio — a WWE Hall of Famer and a longtime fixture in AAA — recently appeared in promotional material for Worlds Collide, highlighting lucha libre’s cultural legacy and its influence on global wrestling.

With TripleMania Regia now positioned as a tentpole event for both AAA and WWE’s partnership, all eyes will be on how the card shapes up — and how AEW responds in its bid to gain traction in Mexico.

Alberto Del Rio And Others Reportedly Sign New WWE Contracts Amidst AAA Purchase – Acquisition Sparks Contract Confusion and Controversy

As WWE edges closer to finalizing its rumored acquisition of Mexican wrestling powerhouse Lucha Libre AAA, more questions are being raised than answered—especially when it comes to talent contracts. With many AAA stars historically working under non-exclusive deals, the situation surrounding their future, and their potential roles within WWE, has taken an unexpected and controversial turn.

In a report shared early Monday by SuperLuchas’ Ernesto Ocampo, it was revealed that several high-profile AAA talents have signed new contracts directly with WWE. Among those reportedly putting pen to paper are El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., El Hijo del Vikingo, La Parka, Lady Flammer, Lady Maravilla, Nino Hamburguesa, La Hiedra, and current AAA Mega Champion Alberto El Patron (formerly Alberto Del Rio).

While many assumed WWE would inherit existing contracts through the acquisition, Ocampo clarified via X (formerly Twitter) that this isn’t the case. “Those contracts are of no use to WWE,” he wrote, explaining that WWE’s legal structure mandates entirely new deals featuring exclusive rights, intellectual property clauses, and strict termination provisions—standards AAA’s previous agreements typically lacked. This explains why WWE is issuing fresh contracts to the talent, regardless of the acquisition status.

Adding further credibility to the report, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer later confirmed that the mentioned luchadors had signed new WWE contracts. Notably, Meltzer singled out Alberto El Patron, confirming his return to WWE nearly a decade after his last run ended in 2016.

However, the signings come with heavy baggage—particularly in Del Rio’s case. Once a four-time WWE World Champion, Del Rio’s reputation has taken a hit over the years due to serious legal and personal controversies. He was accused by Saraya (fka Paige in WWE) of abusive behavior during their relationship—allegations he denied. More seriously, in 2020, he was arrested and charged with sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. The charges were eventually dismissed in late 2021, but the damage to his public image lingered.

La Hiedra’s alleged involvement in another disturbing incident could also complicate matters. Rumors suggest she may be under a restraining order by current NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The situation stems from an alleged harassment campaign by Hiedra, Forastero, and Sansón following domestic violence accusations made by Vaquer against then-boyfriend Cuatrero—Sansón’s brother and Forastero’s cousin. Cuatrero was arrested and charged with attempted femicide and domestic violence, only being released from prison this past April.

Despite the drama, it’s important to note that neither Ocampo nor Meltzer have confirmed if any of the newly signed talent are set to appear on WWE programming—or if they’ll be featured exclusively in AAA under WWE’s potential ownership. Still, the headlines alone are bound to generate buzz, both among fans and within the wrestling industry.

As WWE moves closer to finalizing the AAA deal, the spotlight will only intensify on how the company handles these controversial additions to its talent pool—and whether the reputational risk is worth the upside of expanding its reach into the lucha libre market.

AEW/ROH Releases The Righteous’ Dutch and Vincent Amid Roster Shakeup

As WWE continues to make waves with its recent round of talent cuts, AEW has followed suit with a few notable departures of its own. The latest names to exit Tony Khan’s roster are Dutch and Vincent of The Righteous, a dark and enigmatic tag team best known for their work in Ring of Honor (ROH).

According to PWInsider, Dutch and Vincent were quietly released last week. While they made their initial AEW debut at Supercard of Honor 2023, the pair were better known to longtime fans of the Sinclair-era ROH, where they previously held the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. Since AEW’s acquisition of ROH, The Righteous primarily competed on ROH on Honor Club, with occasional appearances on AEW Collision.

Their final match under the AEW/ROH umbrella came just last month, teaming with Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese to secure a win in eight-man tag action. Interestingly, that appearance also marked their first match in ROH since their December defeat in a brutal Double Bullrope match at Final Battle against Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes.

The Righteous aren’t the only ones departing AEW recently. EJ Nduka, who also worked ROH dates, confirmed his exit and appeared to take a subtle swipe at AEW leadership on the way out. Earlier in the year, bigger names like Malakai Black, Miro, Rey Fenix, and Ricky Starks also parted ways with the company, all eventually landing in WWE.

Reports from March suggest more exits may be on the horizon as contracts expire. Wrestlers like Zak Knight, Nick Comoroto, and Abadon are all rumored to be on shaky ground, and Saraya has already left following the conclusion of her deal.

As AEW continues to reshape its roster, it’s clear the promotion is entering a transitional phase—one that could have major implications across both AEW and ROH brands moving forward.

WWE Raw Preview 5/5/2025

WWE Raw airs live globally tonight beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on Netflix, from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

  • WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY vs. Roxanne Perez (non-title)
  • Becky Lynch will call out WWE Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria 
  • Appearances by Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker
  • JD McDonagh vs. Penta
  • Rusev vs. Otis

Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin Speak Out After WWE Releases, Push Back on “Lazy” Narrative

WWE’s latest wave of talent cuts has stirred up plenty of conversation—and two of the most talked-about names are firing back at behind-the-scenes claims surrounding their departures.

Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade, both of whom had been prominently featured on WWE NXT, were released this past Friday, just weeks after appearing at NXT Stand & Deliver in a kickoff four-way tag team elimination match. Their exits, alongside several other talents from both the main roster and NXT, came as part of another round of budget-related releases.

However, the narrative took a turn when Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that some of those cut were believed to not be putting in enough effort during training, even citing the term “lazy” as being used internally. That didn’t sit well with either Dolin or Jade, who took to social media to push back.

Dolin, clearly frustrated, defended her commitment:

“When I wasn’t traveling for either of the two companies I worked for, I trained hard 3-4 days a week—bumping, doing cardio drills with one of the toughest coaches I’ve ever had. I worked out every day, did live events every other weekend. So yeah, I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise.”

Jade, meanwhile, shared a more personal and troubling aspect of her WWE experience, revealing that she chose to train at her own gym after dealing with body shaming within the company:

“This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me — other than getting me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!”

Both Dolin and Jade signed with WWE in January 2021 and had become key players in the NXT women’s division. Dolin, as part of the Toxic Attraction faction, held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice, while Jade quickly emerged as one of the brand’s standout personalities and future prospects.

While neither has addressed their next move just yet, it’s clear that both women are leaving WWE with plenty still to say—and plenty still to prove.

With the women’s wrestling scene thriving across promotions like TNA, AEW, and STARDOM, could a new chapter be just around the corner for Dolin and Jade?

Darby Allin Sets Kickflip World Record During Mount Everest Climb

AEW’s resident daredevil Darby Allin has once again pushed the limits—this time, not in a wrestling ring, but on the slopes of Mount Everest.

Currently in the midst of a grueling climb up the world’s tallest mountain, Darby has already made history by landing a kickflip at a staggering 20,958 feet above sea level. The feat sets a world record for the highest elevation at which the move has ever been performed. Allin shared the moment on Instagram, showcasing both his signature skateboard and his unrelenting thirst for the extreme.

The climb began on April 8, with Darby joining an expedition team guided by Adventure Consultants. According to their official site, the group took a rest day at Everest Base Camp on May 3—no small feat, considering the base camp itself sits over 17,000 feet high.

While it’s unclear whether Darby will ultimately reach the summit, his commitment to pushing boundaries is already on full display. In typical Allin fashion, even an Everest expedition isn’t just about the destination—it’s about making a statement.

Known for his high-risk style in AEW, Darby has never shied away from danger. Whether diving off ladders or snowboarding through promos, the former TNT Champion blends athleticism with sheer fearlessness—and now, he’s taken that mindset to the roof of the world.

Stay tuned as Darby’s Everest journey continues. If he does make it to the summit, don’t be surprised if he finds a way to make history there, too.

You can watch Darby’s Instagram post below:

TNA Wrestling Appoints Two New Vice Presidents Amid Major Executive Shake-Up

TNA Wrestling continues to reshape its corporate structure, with the latest move seeing two longtime employees elevated to vice presidential roles. According to PWInsider, Eric Tompkins and Ross Forman have officially been named Vice Presidents, with the news reportedly shared with talent during a recent locker room meeting.

Tompkins, who has served as TNA’s Director of TV Production, and Forman, the company’s longtime Head of Media Relations, both bring decades of experience to their new positions. Forman in particular has been with TNA for over 20 years, making him one of the most tenured members of the promotion’s inner circle.

Their promotions come amid a larger executive overhaul that’s been underway for more than a year. Just this February, Carlos Silva was named TNA President following his previous appointment as President of Anthem Sports, TNA’s parent company, late last year. Silva replaced Anthony Cicione, who was among a group of high-level departures in recent months.

Other notable exits include Ariel Shnerer, Karen Clevett, Sebastian Dastrani, and Chief Revenue Officer Rob Klingman, all of whom left the company as part of what has been described as an ongoing restructuring effort. On the wrestling side, former in-ring talent turned producers and backstage figures—Gail Kim, Christy Hemme, and Josh Matthews—were also let go as part of this corporate realignment.

Despite the behind-the-scenes turnover, TNA appears to be gaining momentum. The promotion recently secured a television deal in Latin America, a move that reflects growing international ambitions under the new leadership regime.

With Tompkins and Forman now stepping into more prominent roles, it’s clear TNA is leaning on experienced insiders to help steer the company through its latest evolution. How their leadership shapes TNA’s creative and media strategies moving forward will be worth watching closely.

Harley Hudson Officially Signs with TNA Wrestling, Makes Long-Awaited Debut

After nearly two years of anticipation, British standout Harley Hudson has officially arrived in TNA Wrestling.

The 2023 Gut Check winner finally made her in-ring debut during the May 1–2 TV tapings in Irvine, California, following a long visa delay that kept her from stepping into a TNA ring. Hudson wrestled twice over the two-night stretch—first in singles action against Myla Grace, then teaming with Grace in tag competition—marking her long-awaited introduction to TNA fans.

Despite winning the developmental tryout competition back in 2023, visa complications prevented the 22-year-old from making her U.S. debut until now. According to Fightful Select, former TNA executive Gail Kim played a crucial role behind the scenes to get Hudson’s visa approved. Kim, who departed TNA in March, reportedly pushed for the company to fast-track the process, personally vouching for Hudson’s talent and potential.

Hudson has now signed a one-year deal with the promotion, making her the latest addition to an increasingly international and youthful Knockouts division. Starting her wrestling journey in 2017, Hudson has built her name across the UK indie circuit, collecting both singles and tag team gold along the way. Known for her scrappy energy and in-ring versatility, she brings a fresh presence to the TNA women’s roster.

Her signing follows a wave of recent Knockouts division reinforcements, including the additions of ex-WWE star Indi Hartwell, who joined the promotion after being let go by WWE last year and 24-year-old Maggie Lee, who debuted earlier this year and also wrestled at the recent California tapings.

As TNA continues to invest in fresh talent, Harley Hudson’s arrival feels like a long-overdue step forward—and potentially the start of something big.

Will Hudson live up to the hype that’s been building for the past two years? Time will tell, but she’s finally got her foot in the door.