• WWE Tried Re-Signing Recently Released Stars But Got Rejected
WWE recently let go of 12 talents from its developmental system. The list of names includes Wes Lee, Stevie Turner, Lance Anoa’i, Zara Zakher, Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Brayden “BJ” Ray, Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel. Most of these talents had been working across NXT, EVOLVE, LFG and ID shows.
After the news of the departures broke, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reported that more releases were being planned in the coming week. However, Fightful Select now states that WWE is not planning to fire anyone else from its developmental brands at this time.
The report also mentioned that the company had tried to bring back a few of the released talents, but they turned down the offers. WWE made the cuts to let go names who weren’t making progress, and the company is actively looking to sign new wrestlers.
All of the wrestlers from the latest round of cuts were either released by WWE or saw their contracts expire. The only exception was Zayda Steel, who personally chose not to renew her ID contract.
• WWE Added Moaning Sounds To Wyatt Sicks Member’s Segment
Indi Hartwell and current Wyatt Sicks member Dexter Lumis were booked in a romantic angle on NXT in 2021. It led to their wedding on the premiere of NXT 2.0, after which they went on a honeymoon as part of the storyline.
They had a pillow fight during the honeymoon vignette that aired on NXT, which Johnny Gargano (playing Indi’s dad) listened to.
Speaking to Metro, Hartwell revealed that WWE edited in moaning sounds into the pillow fight that weren’t hers.
“Filming that was weird. Watching it on TV was even weirder because they edited in, like, moaning, which wasn’t me. I was, ‘Oh my God, my parents are gonna watch this,’ but it’s all good! It’s all in good fun, and it’s all for the job.”
Indi Hartwell was released by WWE last year. She signed with TNA earlier this year and failed to defeat NXT star Kelani Jordan for the Knockouts World Championship at Bound For Glory 2025.
• Dominik Mysterio Shows Off New Neck Tattoo (Photos)
WWE Intercontinental and AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio is in Perth, Australia, with the WWE crew for Crown Jewel weekend. He showed off some fresh ink while touring the city, a tattoo inspired by lucha libre, paying homage to his wrestling roots and heritage.
The tattoo, inked across his neck, features a detailed lucha mask design, continuing Dominik’s trend of celebrating iconic luchadors through body art. He already sports several tattoos inspired by lucha culture, including various legendary masks inked on his fingers.
You can view the photos of his tattoos below:
Dirty Dom is set to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Penta on tomorrow’s episode of RAW in Perth. He is expected to face John Cena at Survivor Series: WarGames in San Diego, California, next month, the second last appearance in the 17-time World Champion’s Retirement Tour.
• Ash By Elegance / Dana Brooke Announces Retirement Weeks After Relinquishing World Title
Ash By Elegance’s (fka Dana Brooke in WWE) in-ring career has apparently come to an end, judging by her latest comments.
During a virtual signing for RDP Promotions, the former TNA Knockouts World Champion called herself “retired” while showing off a t-shirt she was selling and explaining its importance.
“$30 for this top. It is worn with me and Paige VanZant (in a photoshoot), but also, this is the shirt I retired in. It’s $30. My retirement t-shirt.”
The 15-time WWE 24/7 Champion also added that TNA has provided her an opportunity to help out in a backstage role.
“I might not be in the ring, but, I’ll still be busy. TNA has opened their doors for me and allowed me to do things backstage. Just not in the ring. Never say never so, maybe one day again.”
Ash By Elegance won the TNA Knockouts World Title at NXT Heatwave earlier this year and vacated the belt at Victory Road a couple of weeks ago. She did not give a reason for the decision during her emotional promo, and just stated that she could no longer compete.
• WWE Planning To Fire More Wrestlers After Letting 12 Names Go
WWE has started its latest round of roster cuts, a process the company typically carries out every spring and fall. Last week, several wrestlers were released and some were told their contracts won’t be renewed, marking the beginning of the fall cycle.
The list of names includes former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, former Evolve General Manager Stevie Turner, Zara Zakher, Lance Anoa’i, Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Brayden “BJ” Ray, former WWE ID Women’s Champion Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel. Most of these talents primarily worked across WWE’s developmental brands – NXT, EVOLVE, LFG and the ID program.
However, the process isn’t over yet. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, more releases could be coming this week. Alvarez noted that the cuts were not budget-related, explaining that WWE currently has over 130 names in developmental and continues to hire regularly.
If someone isn’t progressing fast enough or seen as suitable for the main roster, they’re released to make room for new prospects.
Bodyslam+ recently reported that the company has renewed the ID contract of WWE EVOLVE Champion Jackson Drake.
