Several Former WWE Stars Officially Become Free Agents Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses

A significant group of former WWE talent officially entered free agency today as the 90-day non-compete clauses tied to April’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts came to an end.

More than 20 wrestlers were released by WWE following WrestleMania 42, and many of the biggest names from that group are now free to sign with or compete for any promotion they choose.

Among the newly available talents are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.

While some released stars have already returned to the independent wrestling scene, others have remained quiet about their future plans, leaving fans speculating about where they could surface next.

Nikki Storm And Joe Gacy Already Planning Their Next Moves

Several former members of the Wyatt Sicks faction have already begun laying the groundwork for life after WWE.

Nikki Cross, who has resumed using the name Nikki Storm, is scheduled to appear for both PROGRESS Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro in the coming weeks. Storm has also expanded her role within the industry outside the ring, as she and her husband Big Damo recently became owners of both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.

Meanwhile, Joe Gacy has started teasing the next phase of his character. Last month, he released a video featuring imagery connected to the Wyatt Sicks persona he portrayed in WWE, suggesting a darker evolution of his character may be on the horizon.

The futures of Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis remain less clear, with none of the three having publicly announced their next destinations.

Kairi Sane Begins New Chapter

Of all the WWE departures, Kairi Sane’s release generated some of the strongest reactions from fans.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was actively involved in a storyline alongside IYO SKY and Asuka before her exit, leading many to question the timing of her departure. Reports later indicated that Sane had requested her release and was interested in returning to Japan.

On the first day of her free agency, Sane marked the occasion by sharing a photo of herself alongside a motorcycle on social media, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Motor City Machine Guns Continue To Fuel Speculation

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have also kept fans guessing about their future.

The Motor City Machine Guns recently released a video on their YouTube channel featuring a comedic skit that ended with the duo discovering a mystery contract from an unnamed wrestling promotion. While the company was never revealed, many fans immediately speculated that All Elite Wrestling could be the destination being teased.

Both wrestlers have extensive histories with multiple promotions, making them one of the most intriguing tag teams currently available on the market.

Questions Surround Aleister Black And Zelina Vega

Aleister Black remains one of the most notable free agents available.

Despite widespread assumptions that he could eventually return to AEW, no official plans have been announced. Reports have suggested there may be reservations within AEW regarding a potential reunion, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

His wife, Zelina Vega, may already be preparing for her next wrestling chapter. Recently, she filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” for wrestling-related entertainment services, leading to speculation that an in-ring return could be in the works.

Zoey Serrano Set For Return

Formerly known as Zoey Stark, Zoey Serrano has already lined up her first major post-WWE appearance.

She is scheduled to compete in the RevPro Women’s Grand Prix 2026, where she will face Zeuxis in the tournament’s opening round.

The appearance marks a significant milestone following the severe knee injury she suffered in May 2025 during a match involving Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley. The injury sidelined her for an extended period and raised concerns about the future of her career.

Santos Escobar Takes Aim At WWE Leadership

Santos Escobar also acknowledged his newly acquired free-agent status this week.

In a social media post, the former WWE star reflected on his six-year run with the company while also directing criticism toward WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

While Escobar did not reveal where he intends to wrestle next, his comments quickly generated discussion among fans as the next stage of his career begins.

Wrestling Free Agency Heats Up

With so many recognizable names now officially available, the wrestling free-agent market has become one of the industry’s biggest stories.

Some talents appear poised for immediate returns to the ring, while others are expected to take their time evaluating offers from promotions around the world. Whether the next destination is AEW, NJPW, TNA, independent wrestling, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the coming weeks could bring a wave of major signings and surprise debuts across the wrestling landscape.

Backstage Talk Emerges About WWE’s Reported Shift Away From Supernatural Characters

WWE’s recent wave of roster cuts has sparked plenty of discussion among fans, but one particular backstage rumor is now gaining attention regarding the company’s creative direction under TKO Group Holdings.

According to a report from PWInsider, there has been internal speculation within WWE that certain decision-makers connected to TKO may not be especially interested in darker or supernatural-style wrestling characters. While nothing has been officially confirmed, that belief has reportedly become a talking point backstage following several surprising departures.

Among the names being linked to that theory are The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega. Fans immediately questioned the release of The Wyatt Sicks due to the group’s strong connection to Bray Wyatt’s legacy and WWE’s continued emphasis on cinematic storytelling in recent years.

Aleister Black has also long been associated with darker presentation and occult-inspired character work, making his release another example some within the company are pointing toward when discussing the rumored shift in philosophy.

The report further notes that one person even referenced The Undertaker’s recent WWE appearances, suggesting that his increased use of the “American Badass” persona instead of the supernatural “Deadman” character may align with this broader creative preference.

Of course, it’s important to note that these discussions are currently speculation and have not been publicly addressed by WWE or TKO executives. WWE roster decisions are typically influenced by multiple factors, including creative plans, budget considerations, and long-term branding strategies.

Still, the conversation has fueled debate among wrestling fans about whether WWE could be moving away from some of the supernatural elements that have been part of the company’s identity for decades.

For now, the reported backstage chatter remains just that — internal speculation — but it has certainly added another layer to the discussion surrounding WWE’s latest releases.

WWE Releases Multiple Superstars Across Main Roster and NXT in Major Talent Cuts

WWE has reportedly made another round of roster cuts, with a wide range of talent—from established main roster names to rising NXT prospects—being let go from the company.

As of now, the list of releases includes several recognizable names who have played key roles on WWE programming in recent years. Among the أبرز departures are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Santos Escobar, all of whom have had significant runs on the main roster. The exits of Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, and Erick Rowan also stand out, especially given their ties to various factions and storylines over the past few years.

The tag team division has also taken a hit, with the Motor City Machine Guns reportedly parting ways with WWE. Meanwhile, Joe Gacy and Andre Chase—both heavily featured during their time in NXT—are also included in the cuts.

On the women’s side, Zoey Stark and Alba Fyre are among those released, along with developmental names like Tyra Mae Steele and Sirena Linton.

The list extends deep into NXT, with several newer or lesser-known talents also being let go, including Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Dante Chen, Malik Blade, Trill London, and Luca Crusifino.

At this stage, there’s no official word on whether more releases are expected, but the scope of the cuts suggests a significant shake-up behind the scenes. Situations like this often point to roster restructuring, budget considerations, or shifts in creative direction, particularly as WWE continues to evolve its talent pipeline between NXT and the main roster.

As always, talent releases can open the door for fresh opportunities elsewhere in the wrestling world, and it’ll be interesting to see where these performers land next. For now, though, the WWE roster looks noticeably different following this latest wave of departures.

As it stands, the following names have been released (so far):

  • Kairi Sane
  • Aleister Black
  • Zelina Vega
  • Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas
  • Nikki Cross
  • Santos Escobar
  • Motor City Machine Guns
  • Dexter Lumis
  • Erick Rowan
  • Joe Gacy
  • Andre Chase
  • Zoey Stark
  • Alba Fyre
  • Tyra Mae Steele
  • Sirena Linton
  • Tyson Dupont
  • Tyriek Igwe
  • Chris Island
  • Dante Chen
  • Malik Blade
  • Trill London
  • Luca Crusifino
  • Carlee Bright 

The Wyatt Sicks Return on WWE SmackDown, Honor Bray Wyatt

The eerie presence of The Wyatt Sicks returned to WWE in dramatic fashion during the closing moments of this week’s SmackDown, crashing the WWE Tag Team Championship main event between The Street Profits and Fraxiom—and leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

Just as Montez Ford was scaling the ropes for what looked to be the final flourish in a high-octane showdown, the arena plunged into darkness. Moments later, under a haunting spotlight, the full force of The Wyatt Sicks—Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, and Joe Gacy—stood in the ring.

Lumis wasted no time, yanking Ford from the top rope and kicking off a relentless beatdown. The chaos wasn’t limited to just the two teams competing—#DIY tried to intervene but were quickly overpowered, and even the Motor City Machine Guns, who raced out to back up Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, found themselves laid out. Candice LeRae, who had reunited with her husband and Ciampa earlier in the night, wasn’t spared either, as Nikki Cross zeroed in on her with feral intensity.

The segment closed with a chilling tribute: Uncle Howdy delivered a devastating Sister Abigail to Gargano before the group unveiled a birthday cake in the center of the ring—candles lit—to honor the late Bray Wyatt on what would have been his 38th birthday. It was a somber, surreal moment that blended storyline madness with real-world emotion, once again blurring the line between fiction and tribute in the most Wyatt-esque fashion possible.

This marks the faction’s first WWE appearance since a December 9 bout on Raw, where they suffered a loss to The Final Testament and The Miz. Although the group was drafted to SmackDown in January, their absence has been explained by behind-the-scenes reports of Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) being sidelined, effectively keeping the entire stable off TV—until now.

With their reemergence, The Wyatt Sicks have made it clear: they’re not just back—they’re looking to change the landscape of SmackDown in their own twisted image. What’s next for the enigmatic faction? One thing’s for sure: no one is safe.

What’s the Hold-Up with The Wyatt Sicks and Alexa Bliss? Backstage Update on WrestleMania Absences

WWE fans are buzzing about the major names set to headline the grandest stage of them all. But with so many big names in the spotlight, it’s hard not to notice some glaring omissions from WrestleMania 41 — namely, The Wyatt Sicks and Alexa Bliss.

Despite her dramatic return at the 2025 Royal Rumble following a two-year hiatus, Bliss has been noticeably absent from WWE programming in recent weeks. Many expected her return to lead to a storyline tied to the eerie and ominous Wyatt Sicks faction, especially considering her storied history with the late Bray Wyatt. However, that reunion appears to be on hold — for now.

According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, the Wyatt Sicks’ current absence comes down to one key issue: injury. Bo Dallas, who leads the group under his “Uncle Howdy” persona, is currently sidelined, and WWE creative reportedly has no plans to use the faction unless they can appear as a full unit. With WrestleMania season in full swing and multiple storylines converging, sources say it’s simply not the right time to rework the creative direction around a group still dealing with injury setbacks.

Bliss, it seems, is caught in the crossfire. Sapp reports that while there are long-term plans to integrate her into The Wyatt Sicks storyline, there’s currently no standalone creative direction for her. As a result, she was pulled from all WrestleMania weekend plans.

There’s also uncertainty around when the group might return, as updates on Dallas’ injury status remain scarce. The Wyatt Sicks haven’t been seen since their loss to The Miz and The Final Testament on the December 9, 2024 episode of Raw. That match also marked the last appearance of Rezar and Akam, formerly of the Authors of Pain, who have since been released by WWE — further complicating any potential comeback plans for the group.

While fans may be disappointed not to see the eerie presence of The Wyatt Sicks or the return of Alexa Bliss at WrestleMania 41, the good news is that both are still on WWE’s radar. It’s just a matter of waiting for the right time — and the right pieces — to fall into place.

Backstage Update on Wyatt Sicks & Alexa Bliss Ahead of WrestleMania

With WrestleMania 41 fast approaching, fans have been wondering about the status of Alexa Bliss and the eerie Wyatt Sicks faction. Bliss made a surprise return at the Royal Rumble in February, fueling speculation that she would soon align with the group inspired by the late Bray Wyatt. However, after falling short in the Elimination Chamber match, Bliss has been absent from WWE programming—just like the Wyatt Sicks, who haven’t been seen since their loss to Karrion Kross’ Final Testament (a faction that has since mostly disbanded).

So, what’s going on with Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks? And will they be involved in WrestleMania?

Wyatt Sicks Cleared, Waiting for the Right Time

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE plans to keep Bliss off TV until the Wyatt Sicks return to SmackDown. Meanwhile, Fightful Select reported that the reason for the group’s lengthy absence was an injury to their leader, Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy). However, Dallas—and the faction as a whole—has now been medically cleared to compete.

While WWE’s creative team is actively discussing their return, there’s no official word on exactly when they’ll be back. The company is reportedly waiting for the perfect moment to bring them back into the fold.

Is Bliss Still Set to Join the Wyatt Sicks?

Since Bliss’ return, WWE has dropped multiple hints about her potential involvement with the Wyatt Sicks, including subtle flashes of the faction’s emblem appearing on screen when she was on camera. Given her history with Uncle Howdy, dating back to early 2023 before she took time off for pregnancy, many believe she’s destined to be the sixth member of the group.

Recent reports caused some confusion when Bliss was removed from certain WrestleMania Week appearances, but it was later clarified that these were WWE World events, not WrestleMania itself. While it’s unclear if Bliss and the Wyatt Sicks will be part of The Show of Shows, their return seems inevitable.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania just weeks away, could we see the Wyatt Sicks and Alexa Bliss make their return on the Grandest Stage of Them All? Or will WWE hold off and bring them back in a more calculated fashion after the event?

For now, it’s a waiting game, but when the Wyatt Sicks do return, expect them to make an impact—and possibly bring Bliss along for the ride.

The Wyatt Sicks Moved To WWE SmackDown Amid Transfer Window

The WWE transfer portal has been busy again, and it’s bringing major changes to the blue brand. The Wyatt Sicks, a faction shrouded in mystery and chaos, are officially moving to WWE SmackDown. This shift not only signals a fresh start for the group but also puts an end to their ongoing feud with The Final Testament.

Karrion Kross Drops the News

Fans learned about the move during a backstage segment on this week’s Raw. While speaking with The Miz outside of Adam Pearce’s office, Karrion Kross revealed that The Wyatt Sicks would be leaving the red brand for SmackDown. The announcement makes it clear that WWE is opting to draw a line under the rivalry between The Wyatt Sicks and The Final Testament, which had been a focal point on Raw in recent months.

This decision also sets the stage for Karrion Kross to move on to new storylines without the ominous faction lurking in his shadow. Whether his comments hint at his own brand move or a new angle for Kross remains to be seen.

The Wyatt Sicks’ Rocky Road on Raw

The Wyatt Sicks haven’t had the smoothest ride on Raw. The faction, led by Bo Dallas in his Uncle Howdy persona, was last seen on the December 23 episode, where their interference led to Dexter Lumis’ match with The Miz ending in a no contest. Prior to that, the group suffered their first loss on the December 9 episode, with Dallas himself taking the pin in a tag match against The Final Testament.

While their cryptic and chaotic presence created intrigue, these losses marked a stumbling block in their momentum. Moving to SmackDown could be a chance for The Wyatt Sicks to regain their edge and establish themselves as a dominant force.

Joining Familiar Faces on SmackDown

Interestingly, The Wyatt Sicks’ move reunites them with Braun Strowman, another former disciple of Bray Wyatt. Strowman returned to SmackDown earlier via the transfer portal, and his presence adds an intriguing layer to The Wyatt Sicks’ arrival. With their shared history as part of the Wyatt Family legacy, fans are already speculating about potential interactions—or rivalries—between Strowman and the group.

Uncle Howdy wasn’t with the group during their last appearance on Raw.

Fresh Opportunities on the Blue Brand

The move to SmackDown opens up a world of possibilities for The Wyatt Sicks. The blue brand’s roster is packed with potential rivals, from established stars to rising talents. Whether they continue their mysterious and unsettling antics or take a more direct approach, the group’s presence is sure to shake things up on Friday nights.

Meanwhile, SmackDown’s creative team now has the challenge—and opportunity—to revitalize the faction, potentially giving them a stronger spotlight and better creative direction than they had on Raw.

What’s Next?

With The Wyatt Sicks leaving Raw, the group gets a much-needed reset. Whether this move allows them to regain their footing and create the same kind of mystique Bray Wyatt brought to WWE remains to be seen. For now, fans will have to tune in to SmackDown to see how The Wyatt Sicks fit into the mix.

As WWE continues to shake up the rosters and craft new storylines, The Wyatt Sicks’ move could be a major turning point for the faction. Will the blue brand become their playground of terror, or will they face new challenges that test their unity? Time will tell.

The Miz Gets Kidnapped Following WWE RAW By The Wyatt Sicks

The Miz has been kidnapped by The Wyatt Sicks, as revealed by Karrion Kross and Scarlett in a tweet following this week’s episode of WWE RAW.

In recent weeks, the group has taken aim at The Miz and The Final Testament, which has resulted in Kross demanding that The Miz figure out what’s going on.

In the post-RAW video, Kross responded to Scarlett by saying that The Miz was “dead for sure.” The two then went looking for him – and the rest remains to be seen!

Source: eWn

A New Woman Appears To Be Coming To The Wyatt Sicks Faction

On this week’s episode of WWE RAW, a new message from The Wyatt Sicks aired that featured the unveiling of a mysterious woman.

Some of the messages in the new video read as follows,

“We see your intent.

“Anger festering into rage.

“Do not go down this path.

“It ends in demise.

“You know better.

“Do not force our hand.

“Heed our admonition.”

Additionally, the following message was shown in a QR code that aired in the video, “BROTHER, DO NOT BE SO DISTRACTED BY THE BEAST THAT YOU MISS THE SERPENT IN THE WEEDS.”

Source: eWn

Is Alexa Bliss Returning Shortly To Join The Wyatt Sicks’ Faction?

A new QR code aired on this week’s episode of WWE RAW.

During the show, a QR code was shown that teased that The Wyatt Sicks are waiting for a new “HER” to arrive.

One of the entries was titled “SHE” and read as follows,

“When SHE speaks,
mountains should tremble.
It’s waiting for HER.
I can only open the door.
SHE must choose to walk through.”

Another entry was titled “Frater” and read,

“The bond of a family is a cat of nine tails.
Bound through suffering.
We see you, brother.
When you need us, we will be there.”

As of this writing, there is no word on who this new QR code is referring to. But it’s worth noting that Alexa Bliss has been ready to return for quite some time now.

Source: eWn