In a shocking turn of events, WWE has made another round of talent cuts, releasing over fifteen performers from both the main roster and NXT, including some high-profile names like Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, and Gigi Dolin. Among those affected, Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade have taken to social media to vehemently defend their work ethic following reports suggesting their releases were due to a lack of effort in training.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, many of the released NXT talents were perceived as not working hard enough during training. Meltzer stated, "Many of those cut were perceived as not working hard in training. And if you don't work hard in training, there's so many people who do. At this point, if the feeling is you’re not working hard in training – I saw the term ‘lazy’ – the ones who are lazy are gonna be gone, and the ones who didn’t stand out are gonna be gone." This narrative has sparked significant backlash from both Dolin and Jade.
Dolin, who has been a prominent figure in NXT and previously in TNA, responded directly to these claims, stating, "When I wasn’t traveling to work for either of the two companies I was working for, I trained very hard 3-4 days a week, bumping my ass off and doing cardio drills with one of the best/toughest coaches I’ve worked with. And worked out every single day. With live events every other weekend. So yeah, I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise." Her passionate defense highlights the dedication she maintained throughout her career.
Cora Jade, similarly, expressed her frustration with the narrative, adding, "This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym outside of work after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me other than get me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!" Jade’s comments shed light on the mental and emotional toll that such criticisms can have on athletes, especially in a high-pressure environment like WWE.
Both Dolin and Jade signed with WWE in January 2021 and quickly became known for their skills and charisma in the ring. They were part of the NXT women’s division that has gained significant attention over the past few years, especially with the rise of women’s wrestling in the promotion. Dolin and Jade even held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship, showcasing their talent and ability to connect with the audience.
The recent cuts have sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans expressing disappointment and frustration over the loss of such talented performers. The news of the releases, particularly of Dolin and Jade, has sparked conversations about the culture within WWE and how it affects the athletes.
Analyst Ibou took to social media to discuss the internal decision-making process behind the cuts, stating, "Triple H is the final say on any roster personnel decisions. Most non-injured wrestlers that are benched from the TV that he books are candidates to get cut whenever he’s told it’s time to shed roster salary. The priority is that their books and profit margins look good to shareholders after every quarter, which is why to juice up numbers, they shed contracts." This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting that financial motivations often overshadow the talent and hard work of the wrestlers.
The wrestling world has seen a significant shift in recent years, with the landscape becoming increasingly competitive. The emergence of new promotions and the rise of independent wrestling has created an environment where talent is more visible than ever. This situation has put pressure on WWE to maintain a roster that not only entertains but also meets the expectations of fans and shareholders alike.
As Dolin and Jade navigate this challenging period in their careers, both have expressed gratitude for the opportunities they had in WWE and the experiences gained. Jade recently posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking fans for their support and hinting at a new chapter in her career. She wrote, "Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. Stay tuned xoxo." This suggests that both wrestlers are looking ahead, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
While the immediate future for Dolin and Jade remains uncertain, their determination and resilience shine through in their responses. They are not just fighting against a narrative; they are standing up for their dedication and passion for wrestling. As they move forward, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see where their journeys take them next.
In conclusion, the recent releases from WWE have sparked a significant conversation about the treatment of talent within the organization. As Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade continue to advocate for themselves and their fellow wrestlers, their stories serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into being a professional wrestler. The wrestling community remains hopeful for their future endeavors, as both have proven they have what it takes to succeed in this demanding industry.
