More cuts nay be on the way for WWE’s developmental system, according to a new report that sheds light on a recent wave of talent departures. On Saturday, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reported that “possible more cuts coming next week,” following a series of releases that took place on Friday.
On Friday, it was confirmed by Fightful.com and Bodyslam.net that several talents from the NXT and WWE ID programs had either been released or had their contracts non-renewed. The list of departing wrestlers includes former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, former Evolve General Manager Stevie Turner, and several others from the developmental and WWE ID ranks: Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ” Ray.
These departures come just a week after two prominent members of the WWE ID women’s division, Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel, announced that their contracts were not being renewed.
In his report, Alvarez clarified the reasoning behind the releases, stating that they were not budget-related. “WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly,” Alvarez wrote. “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.”
The departure of Wes Lee is particularly notable. A decorated tag team specialist on the independent circuit as Dezmond Xavier, he signed with WWE in 2020 and became a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion as part of the team MSK with Wes Carter. After the team disbanded, he transitioned into a successful singles run, holding the NXT North American Championship for 269 days, the longest reign in the title’s history. He had been sidelined with a back injury since late 2023.
Stevie Turner also had a varied run with the company since signing in 2021. After a stint in NXT UK, she moved to the main NXT brand and was recently appointed the on-screen General Manager of the revived Evolve brand. The other names released were all part of the lower rungs of the developmental ladder, with many of them having been featured on the Evolve program.
