There are a lot of things that happen in WWE after WrestleMania every year and most of them are good as they advance storylines and call up future WWE superstars from NXT. However the single thing that nobody looks forward to are the releases that happen every year following WrestleMania in budget cuts for WWE. In 2026, the list of WWE superstars that have been released is Long. Unlike the previous years where it was a WWE creative call, this year it was the call of TKO who will be released.
Let’s look at all the WWE wrestlers that were released from WWE
Main Roster Releases
Uncle Howdy also known as Bo Dallas. He returned to WWE after the passing of Bray Wyatt. He will probably retire from professional wrestling.
Nikki Cross who has been with the WWE since the last 10 years. She was Abby the Witch in Wyatt Sicks. She will go to TNA.\
Dexter Lumis was one of those WWE superstars that was released for the second time. He was also in the Wyatt Sicks.
Joe Gacy had a long and successful career and he was also the leader of Schism in NXT. He vastly improved during his time in WWE.
Erick Rowan was also released for the second time. He is a WWE legend and an original member of The Wyatt Family. He will be in the WWE Hall of Fame one day.
Aleister Black was a surprising name that was released as WWE had big plans for him. He was also released for the second time. He will go to AEW as Malakai Black.
Zelina Vega was one of the women who was released from WWE. She was in an act with her husband Aleister Black. She will join Aleister Black in AEW.
Kairi Sane is the most shocking name in this list of cuts. She was in a weekly storyline with Asuka and Iyo Sky. This has angered the WWE fans the most. The world is her oyster and she can go anywhere.
Santos Escobar is also one of those WWE superstars that were released for the Second time. He was not given a chance to prove himself.
Motor City Machine Guns were one of the best tag teams in WWE. They will go to AEW and have a successful run there.
Apollo Crews was not given anything by WWE and was released today.
Alba Fyre was doing her best as a part of Chelsea Green’s Secret Service. She will also go to AEW and be Kay Lee Rae.
Zoey Stark is one of the most heartbreaking as she was injured for a long time. She was about to be medically cleared to compete.
NXT and Evolve Releases
Andre Chase
Malik Blade
Luca Crusifino
Dante Chen
Tyra Mar Steele
Sirena Linton
Trill London
Tyson Dupont
Tyriek Igwe
Chris Island
A total of 23 WWE wrestlers across the board were released today. A truly heartbreaking day for the fans and more importantly these 23 wrestlers involved. Most of them will find a new home after 90 days.
