WWE roster cuts: Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai and more among latest releases
More than half a dozen WWE talent were reportedly released on Friday

WWE released numerous superstars on Friday. Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler were among the most prominent professional wrestlers departing the company, according to multiple reports.
A combination of reports from journalists and tweets from WWE superstars started rolling in early Friday evening. Superstars on WWE's main and developmental roster were impacted by the releases. It's unclear which superstars were outright released, or if any had expiring contracts that weren't renewed.
Pro wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp reported Strowman, Baszler, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Dakota Kai, Gigi Dolin, Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, and Gallus' (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) releases. NXT superstars Cora Jade and Jakara Jackson were also released, according to PW Insider.
Strowman, 41, is the most high-profile superstar released by the company. The former WWE universal champion was prominently featured on WWE SmackDown, losing to Jacob Fatu in a No. 1 contender United States championship match before WrestleMania 41. Strowman's release brings an end to his second stint with the promotion. Strowman returned to WWE in 2022 after previously being released in 2021.
Baszler 44, was last seen on TV in the gauntlet match to qualify for the women's tag team championship showdown against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez at WrestleMania 41 where she teamed with Zoey Stark.
Continue below for social media reactions from various talent who were released.
Strowman shared a cheeky cheer.
— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) May 3, 2025
Baszler believes she is one of a kind.
No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) May 2, 2025
Kai is experiencing deja vu.
— 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 🎮 (@ImKingKota) May 2, 2025
Dolin is revving to get to work.
Officially free to work in 30 days
— Gigi Dolin (@gigidolin_wwe) May 2, 2025
thepriscillakelly@yahoo.com 🥀
Jackson hasn't lost confidence.
Always BEEN and always GON be bout that mothafkn ACTION ✔️🧡 pic.twitter.com/RuZD2KjK9n
— Jakara Jackson (@JakaraWWE) May 2, 2025
Jade expressed gratitude and promised clarity.
Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. Stay tuned xoxo
— Cora Jade (@CoraJadeWWE) May 2, 2025