During the first months of 2025 WWE released several prominent wrestlers who were part of their talent roster. Professional wrestling fans experienced widespread shock because WWE dismissed well-known wrestlers from their contracts as well as its veteran performers.
The company released Braun Strowman who was the holder of the Universal Championship title alongside Dakota Kai the Damage CTRL initiator and Shayna Baszler who moved from MMA to professional wrestling. The author Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful.com published information showing WWE launches periodic cuts following major WWE events as part of their normal roster review system.
Confirmed WWE releases: Dakota Kai, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Braun Strowman, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Shayna Baszler, Eddy Thorpe, Riley Osborne. pic.twitter.com/ZUPQ2OWDdF
— EliteRockerz(@EliteClubS0B) May 2, 2025
WWE Released Superstars (2025)
| Superstar | Previous Brand |
| Braun Strowman | Raw |
| Dakota Kai | SmackDown |
| Shayna Baszler | Raw |
| Katana Chance | NXT |
| Kayden Carter | NXT |
| Gigi Dolin | NXT |
| Cora Jade* | NXT |
| Eddy Thorpe* | NXT |
| Riley Osborne* | NXT |
| Jakara Jackson* | NXT |
*Reports suggest these talents may have been released, but WWE has not officially confirmed.
