Update on recent WWE NXT and ID departures
An update is available on the recent WWE departures.
On Friday, Wes Lee, Stevie Turner, and several others were either released from the company or informed that their contracts will not be renewed.
On Saturday, Bryan Alvarez told his subscribers on X that these were not budget-related cuts, but rather decisions made to open spots for new hires if talent isn’t progressing or viewed as having main roster potential.
Alvarez wrote:
“WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly. If you’re not progressing fast enough or they feel you don’t have what it takes for main roster, you’re out to make room for someone new. Possible more cuts coming next week.”
The other wrestlers departing the company are Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ” Ray. They join Kylie Rae, who announced last week that her WWE ID contract would not be renewed, and Zayda Steel, who confirmed she chose not to re-sign her WWE ID deal.
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has appeared in award-winning publications such as NOW Magazine and The Huffington Post. He joined the F4WOnline team in 2019 and was named managing editor in the summer of 2026. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Ian has covered professional wrestling for more than 15 years.