The wrestling world is buzzing with the recent wave of talent releases from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as several prominent wrestlers have been let go, including Jakara Jackson and the three members of the Gallus faction—Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang. This significant shake-up, which took place on May 3, 2025, has left fans and fellow wrestlers alike in shock.
Jakara Jackson, who had been actively competing in NXT, was part of the Meta-Four group, which had been facing challenges leading to its split. Meanwhile, Gallus had been a regular presence in WWE EVOLVE, having recently taped a match against Harlem Lewis and Keanu Carver. Although the match has already been recorded, it will air as part of their last appearances with WWE.
This latest round of releases adds to a growing list of talent that WWE has let go, with notable names including Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Shayna Baszler, Cora Jade, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, and Gigi Dolin. The wrestling community is rallying around the released wrestlers, with many offering support and encouragement through social media.
On May 2, 2025, WWE had already begun its cuts, releasing several other wrestlers, which only intensified the reactions from the wrestling community. The full list of released talent includes:
- Braun Strowman
- Dakota Kai
- Shayna Baszler
- Katana Chance
- Kayden Carter
- Gigi Dolin
- Cora Jade
- Eddy Thorpe
- Jakara Jackson
- Riley Osborne
- Mark Coffey
- Joe Coffey
- Wolfgang
- Oro Mensah
- Javier Bernal
As news of these releases spread, a wave of support flooded social media. Wrestlers and personalities from the industry took to platforms like Twitter to share their thoughts and experiences with being released from contracts.
Matt Cardona, a former WWE star, tweeted a heartfelt message to those affected, stating, "You have three choices… 1) Fade into obscurity 2) Coast off of your WWE name 3) Work your ass off, reinvent yourself, make a lot of money, and have a lot of fucking fun! Love, The Indy God." His words resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
A.J. Francis also weighed in, suggesting that sometimes a release can be a blessing in disguise. His perspective offers a glimmer of hope for those navigating this challenging transition. "Sometimes a release is a blessing. Trust me," he tweeted, encouraging the released wrestlers to view this moment as a potential new beginning.
On the other hand, Nixon Newell expressed her disbelief at the cuts, tweeting, "Imagine releasing talent like that!…place is fucking insane!" Her reaction highlights the shock and frustration felt by many in the wrestling community regarding the talent that WWE has let go.
Sidney Akeem shared his own experience of being released, expressing gratitude for those who supported him during his tough times. He tweeted, "Last year my contract ended and I was informed that it wasn’t getting renewed. I felt discouraged to the point where I wanted to quit. The first person to message me was @Lauderdale11, one of the first people to believe in #sidneyakeem." His story serves as a reminder that the journey doesn’t end with a release; instead, it can lead to new opportunities.
Keanu Carver, another wrestler, also shared a poignant message, reflecting on the emotional impact of such releases. He tweeted, "Guys, the broken heart is because I know how it feels. My heart breaks for them smh… Days like this aren’t easy." His words resonate with the shared experiences of many who have faced similar challenges in their careers.
As the dust settles on this latest round of releases, the wrestling community continues to rally around those affected. The support from fellow wrestlers and fans alike underscores the camaraderie and resilience that define the wrestling world.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how these released talents will navigate their careers moving forward. With numerous opportunities in the independent circuit and other promotions, many will likely find new paths to success. The wrestling industry is known for its ability to rebound, and this latest wave of releases may just be the catalyst for a new chapter for those affected.
In the coming days and weeks, fans can expect to hear more about the released wrestlers and their next steps. As they embark on this new journey, the wrestling community will undoubtedly continue to offer support and encouragement as they reinvent themselves and pursue new opportunities.
