WWE has made significant roster cuts this February, parting ways with several notable talents, including Sonya Deville, Paul Ellering, and the Authors of Pain. The actions, which come as part of WWE’s regular evaluation of its roster, have raised eyebrows among wrestling fans and insiders alike.
According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, Sonya Deville has been informed her contract will not be renewed and will expire later this month. Celebrated for her decade-long tenure with WWE, Deville made her debut after competing on Tough Enough back in 2015. She has had various roles within the company, including stints as part of successful tag teams and as an on-screen authority figure.
Deville, who recently participated in the Women's Royal Rumble and last wrestled on February 6th on WWE Main Event, has been touted for her leadership role within the Pure Fusion Collective, a group she formed with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark before later undergoing another bout with injury. She will be eligible to perform anywhere upon her departure from WWE, as there is no standard non-compete clause attached to her release.
Also affected by WWE’s roster decisions are the Authors of Pain (AOP), featuring wrestlers Akam and Rezar along with their manager, Paul Ellering. Ellering, who rejoined WWE as part of AOP’s resurgence on television, was released alongside the duo, contributing to the shake-up. Registered with WWE since before their main roster debut, AOP last competed at WrestleMania XL, where they were part of The Final Testament stable, but they fell to the teams of Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits.
Blair Davenport is another name confirmed to be leaving WWE. She joined the NXT roster back in 2021 and later transitioned to SmackDown, but her appearances dwindled over time, culminating with her release.
These roster adjustments come on the heels of other notable cuts, including Cedric Alexander, who announced his exit after spending eight years with the company. Alexander was also released on the same night as the others, signaling larger trends within WWE as it reassesses talents amid changing viewer habits and competitive approaches.
The Authors of Pain made their return to WWE programming approximately one year ago after being re-signed by the organization. Their transition saw them team with Karrion Kross and Scarlett, forming one of the lower card heel factions known as The Final Testament. Their abrupt exit leaves fans wondering about the future of this once-prominent tag team.
These moves have stirred discussions within the wrestling community. Speculations revolve around the increased importance placed on roster versatility and potential cost-cutting measures as WWE navigates its business strategy. There’s no question these releases mark the end of eras for some familiar faces, but just as the door closes, another opportunity often opens for those willing and ready to step through.
The news of these releases has prompted various reactions on social media, reflecting the attachment many fans feel toward these athletes. Wrestlers from both inside and outside WWE have shared their thoughts and sentiments about the shifting dynamics within the promotion, illustrating how deeply personal and connected these releases can feel.
The next steps for these released wrestlers remain to be seen, as potential future engagements with other promotions can provide exciting opportunities. For now, the wrestling world watches closely, waiting to see how these transitions will affect WWE’s storytelling and programming moving forward.