WWE has released several talents from its developmental system, including Stevie Turner, Lance Anoaʻi, Darko Knox, Jamar Hampton, and Zara Zhaker. The departures, which appear to be routine cuts, were announced by the wrestlers themselves on social media.
Lance Anoa’i, a member of the Anoa’i wrestling family, announced his departure on X, stating, “I didn’t have the best of luck since I arrived! I will not let this stop me from achieving to be great! I’ve worked hard on the indies for 15 years! Now let’s get back to work!” His post included a 30-day non-compete clause, which is standard for NXT contracts. Anoa’i, the son of Samu and grandson of Afa, signed with WWE in the summer of 2024 but was sidelined with an injury before he could make his official debut. He was a former MLW World Tag Team Champion.
Stevie Turner, who had been featured on the NXT UK, NXT, and WWE Evolve brands, also announced her departure. Signed by WWE in 2021, she competed in NXT UK before moving to the main NXT brand. In 2025, she was announced as the on-screen General Manager of the revived Evolve brand. Before her WWE career, she wrestled on the UK independent circuit as Bobbi Tyler and held six titles across various promotions.
Zara Zhaker, another talent from the WWE ID program, announced on social media that her contract had expired and that she would be “taking a step back from wrestling.” She was one of the first prospects to be featured as part of the WWE ID initiative, which is designed to create a pathway for independent wrestlers to join the WWE system.
Jamar Hampton and Darko Knox, who were also part of the WWE developmental system and had appeared on the WWE Evolve show, also announced their departures from the company. Hampton gained some attention in July 2025 for social media posts that were critical of the company’s handling of Hulk Hogan’s legacy after his passing.
These releases come as WWE continues to refine its developmental pipeline, which now includes the main NXT brand, the WWE ID program for independent talent, and the Evolve brand, which features a mix of Performance Center trainees and ID prospects.
