WWE has made sweeping cuts to its roster, releasing several prominent stars as the organization prepares for WrestleMania 41. Among those cut, veteran wrestling names such as Cedric Alexander, Sonya Deville, and Blair Davenport have been confirmed as part of the latest roster purge. The news has stunned fans just weeks after the thrilling buildup to the Royal Rumble, which is known for showcasing some of the best talent in professional wrestling.
Reports indicate the roster reshuffle began as far back as February 5, 2025, coinciding with the kickoff of SmackDown. Following the Royal Rumble event, which featured 30 of the company's top performers, WWE moved quickly to inform multiple wrestlers of their releases or non-renewals. Cedric Alexander, who spent the last eight and a half years with WWE, was among the first to break the news of his departure publicly.
"Thank you for the last 8 ½ years! Being a professional wrestler has been a dream of mine since I could form memories and I will continue to do so till the good Lord says otherwise," Alexander stated, expressing gratitude even as he confirmed his exit.
Also on the chopping block is Sonya Deville, who reportedly will not have her contract renewed, with her current deal set to expire soon after her notable participation as the 13th entry in the women's Royal Rumble. Fightful has confirmed these developments, indicating her potential immediate availability for other promotions.
Meanwhile, several other names were released from the organization, including venerated tag team Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, known as the Good Brothers, who were previously let go before being re-signed. This marks their second exit from WWE, confirming the turbulent nature of the wrestling promotion's approach to roster management.
Together with Gallows and Anderson, wrestlers Akam and Rezar, once part of the popular Authors of Pain team alongside manager Paul Ellering, are also on the list of recent cuts. Ellering, who has had a long history with WWE and is known for his work with the Road Warriors, will no longer be part of the company either.
Although these choices may appear shocking to fans, WWE's decision to cut ties with these talented wrestlers aligns with the organization's broader strategy. The promotion is reportedly undergoing various structural adjustments as it recalibrates its roster for the upcoming WrestleMania season. These changes might encourage fresh storylines or reintroductions of talent as time goes on.
Blair Davenport also confirmed the end of her WWE tenure through social media, teasing her return to Japan with her cryptic remark: "Top Gaijin." After transitioning from the independent circuit and making her mark across NXT brands, her upcoming return to wrestling is highly anticipated among fans.
Several other stars such as Isla Dawn also announced their releases, with Dawn expressing on social media, "Here for a good time not a long time. See you in 90," which indicates her readiness to explore new opportunities during her non-compete period.
The reaction to these cuts has been varied, with some fans expressing frustration over the losses. Professional wrestling is inherently risky when it involves contract negotiations, and many see the need to reconsider the direction WWE is taking. The community has been closely observing roster changes, and these recent cuts appear more significant as they come at such a key point before WrestleMania.
Others have noted the positive outlook for the released stars, believing they can find new opportunities either within the independent circuit or rival promotions such as AEW. The wrestling world is notorious for quick comebacks, and these performers may soon reestablish themselves where they were previously successful or try entirely new roles within the industry.
Such transitions can often help wrestlers redefine their careers and pursue new storylines. Whether via traditional wrestling promotions, streaming platforms, or even international circuits, it remains to be seen how this latest WWE roster shake-up will shape the future for both the released talent and the organization itself.
With WrestleMania on the horizon, WWE's decision to offload significant talents may raise questions about the promotion's strategy. Fans will undoubtedly remain vigilant to see which faces will emerge on-screen and if any of the previously departed talents resurface within the wrestling scene shortly.