WWE made one of its biggest roster decisions in recent years just days after WrestleMania 42. On April 24, 2026 more than 20 superstars were released. There was no major announcement from WWE, but wrestler statements, roster updates, and multiple industry reports made it clear that a large-scale shake-up had taken place.
This kind of move is not new for WWE. Every year after WrestleMania, the company reviews its roster, storylines, and budgets. But this time, the number of releases and the names involved made it one of the most talked-about post-Mania changes in years.
Full List of Confirmed WWE Releases After WrestleMania 42
Multiple reports have confirmed that around 22 superstars were released. As per The Economic Times, along with other wrestling outlets, here is the full list:
MAIN ROSTER CUTS (15 stars):
- Kairi Sane (RAW - Kabuki Warriors done)
- Aleister Black (SmackDown - short comeback over)
- Zelina Vega (SmackDown - Twitch gamer let go)
- Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas (SmackDown - Wyatt Sicks leader)
- Nikki Cross (SmackDown - emotional X post: "10 years done")
- Dexter Lumis (SmackDown - creepy artist out)
- Erick Rowan (SmackDown - firefly era ends)
- Joe Gacy (SmackDown - psycho gone)
- Santos Escobar (SmackDown/Lucha Libre AAA ties)
- Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin - SmackDown tag team)
- Zoey Stark (SmackDown - post-injury release)
- Alba Fyre (SmackDown - Scottish powerhouse)
- Apollo Crews (SmackDown - fresh off injury return)
NXT & DEVELOPMENTAL CUTS (7+ stars):
- Andre Chase (NXT - Chase U professor signs off)
- Tyra Mae Steele (WWE LFG - Olympic gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock)
- Sirena Linton (WWE LFG - developmental talent)
- Tyson Dupont (NXT - paired cuts with Tyriek)
- Tyriek Igwe (NXT - rising tag hopeful)
- Malik Blade (NXT - sidelined since ACL injury)
- Luca Crusifino (NXT - multiple confirmations)
The full list of WWE releases so far:
— Wrestle Ish (@WrestleIsh) April 25, 2026
- Kairi Sane
- Aleister Black
- Zelina
- Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas
- Nikki Cross
- Santos Escobar
- Motor City Machine Guns
- Dexter Lumis
- Apollo Crews
- Rowan
- Joe Gacy
- Andre Chase
- Zoey Stark
- Alba Fyre
- Tyra Mae Steele
- Sirena Linton… pic.twitter.com/tXTwZAajTU
Reasons Behind WWE Roster Cuts
The timing of these releases is important. WWE often makes roster changes after WrestleMania to reset storylines and manage costs. Since the merger under TKO Group Holdings, financial planning and roster efficiency have become even more important. This year, the focus seems to be on:
- Reducing roster size
- Ending storylines that are no longer active
- Creating space for new talent, especially from NXT
One of the biggest impacts was the end of the Wyatt Sicks group. With Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, and Joe Gacy all released, that entire storyline has effectively ended.
Wrestler Reactions to WWE 2026 Releases
Many of the released stars shared their reactions online. Their messages were emotional but also forward-looking.
- Nikki Cross: Goodbye and thank you, WWE. I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold. Thank you all for the continued love and support. Special thank you to Robbie Brookside and William Regal for helping this dream come true. Thank you to the wrestlers, coaches, producers…
Goodbye and Thank you WWE
— Nikki Cross (@WWENikkiCross) April 24, 2026
I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold.
Thank you all for the continued love and support.
Special thank you to Robbie Brookside and William Regal for helping this dream come true.
Thank you to the wrestlers, coaches, producers…
- Andre Chase signed off in his signature “Chase U” style
Zelina Vega also spoke during a livestream, saying that new opportunities would come after this chapter. These reactions show that while the releases are difficult, most wrestlers are ready to move on and explore new paths.
Impact of WWE Releases 2026 on RAW and SmackDown Shows
These releases will directly impact both major WWE brands:
- WWE SmackDown loses several key mid-card and faction-based performers
- WWE Raw sees changes in the women’s division after Kairi Sane’s exit
The absence of Wyatt Sicks means less supernatural storytelling, which could shift focus toward more traditional rivalries. At the same time, upcoming drafts and NXT call-ups are expected to fill these gaps quickly.
WWE Post WrestleMania Releases Pattern Over the Years
WWE has followed this pattern for years. After WrestleMania, the company evaluates its roster and makes decisions.
- 2024 saw a smaller number of cuts
- 2025 had moderate changes
- 2026 stands out due to the scale and impact
This shows that WWE is becoming more aggressive in reshaping its roster when needed.
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