WWE 2025 Releases Rock the Roster: Full List of 25-24 Releases, Superstar Reactions & Analysis

WWE 2025 Releases Rock the Roster: In a stunning development, WWE has released a new batch of superstars from its main roster and developmental brand, NXT, as of May 3, 2025, citing budget cuts.

While fans are used to annual roster purges, this year’s cuts hit harder, with names that once shaped the company’s modern landscape now parting ways with the promotion.

Headline Releases – May 2, 2025

Braun Strowman – Former Universal Champion and fan favorite.
Shayna Baszler – Known for her fierce MMA-inspired style and NXT dominance. Following her release, she cryptically posted:
“No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.”
Dakota Kai – Former tag team champ and key Damage CTRL member.
Cora Jade – A rising NXT star who had recently gained momentum.
Gigi Dolin, Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Eddy Thorpe, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson, and Riley Osborne were also released.
The entire Gallus trio – Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang – was cut.

As one fan tweeted, “Every year WWE ends up releasing one major star, so this time it\'s nothing new,” - @left2reigns, reflecting a tone of resigned familiarity. Still, many feel the impact is more severe this time around.

Farewell from Dani Palmer

Dani Palmer, another NXT name now released, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:

“Thank you WWE for bringing me to the love of my life the past 3 years have been amazing! It’s a bittersweet feeling to be officially closing out my athletic career, but I can truly say I went til the wheels fell off..literally lol.

Our bodies are a gift and mine has been so kind to me. I look forward to this next chapter!! Gods been giving me some big dreams with bringing my business back and I couldn’t be more stoked about it! Thank you all for the support”

WWE Stars Respond with Love

Following Dakota Kai’s release, her close friend and fellow superstar Iyo Sky posted an emotional tribute:

She is so much sweet, strong, kind, smart, wonderful, and beautiful woman.

My dearest and best friend.

I love you.
Everyone loves you.

@ImKingKota 🫶
#DamageCTRL

Complete 2025 WWE Releases List

May 2, 2025

Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Cora Jade, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Riley Osborne, Oro Mensah, Jakara Jackson, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, Javier Bernal, Dani Palmer

February 8, 2025

Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Giovanni Vinci

February 7, 2025

Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, Akam, Rezar, Paul Ellering, Cedric Alexander

January 2025

Duke Hudson

2024 WWE Releases Recap

November 6: Nunzio
November 1: Baron Corbin, Tegan Nox, Indi Hartwell
October 1: Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel
September 24: Rosemary
September 17: Hammerstone
September 2: Odyssey Jones
August 16: MVP, Tamina, Bobby Lashley (contract expiration)
July 9: Damon Kemp
June 27: Ricochet
June 1: Dominik Dijakovic, Becky Lynch (contract expiration)
May 5: Jerry Lawler
May 4: Gable Steveson
May 3: Drew Gulak, Boa, Ezekiel Balogun, Julian Baldi, Trey Bearhill, Valentina Feroz, Keyshawn Leflore, Emma Diaz, Kiyah Saint, Vlad Pablenko, Darrel Mason
May 1: Scrypts
April 25: Guru Raaj
April 23: Yulisa Leon, Von Wagner
April 22: Cameron Grimes
April 20: Van Wagner
April 19: Jinder Mahal, Sanga, Xyon Quinn, Xia Li, Veer
February 8: Amari Miller

What This Means for WWE

With so many stars gone, WWE may be realigning its long-term strategy, possibly focusing on new talent development and financial streamlining. But letting go of established performers like Shayna Baszler and Braun Strowman has fans questioning the creative direction and consistency of the promotion’s priorities.

Expect these released stars to spark a free agency frenzy, with promotions like AEW, NJPW, and Impact closely watching the fallout.