In a shocking move that has sent ripples through the wrestling community, WWE executed a significant wave of layoffs on May 2, 2025, impacting both backstage personnel and a number of active wrestlers. Among the most notable names to be released is Braun Strowman, a veteran of the ring with a storied career spanning over a decade with the organization.
Strowman, whose real name is Adam Scherr, finds himself released from WWE for the second time, having previously been let go in June 2021 before making a triumphant return in September 2022. His last appearance in the ring was on April 18, 2025, where he teamed up with LA Knight in a tag team match against Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. This match followed a lengthy recovery from a groin injury that sidelined him for months, with his in-ring comeback occurring on December 13, 2024, during a SmackDown event.
Throughout his career, Strowman has amassed an impressive collection of titles, including the WWE Universal Championship, which he won at WrestleMania 36 in 2020 by defeating Goldberg. He also held the WWE Intercontinental Title and has twice claimed the RAW Tag Team Championship. However, despite his past accolades, Strowman's recent tenure saw him relegated to lower card matches, often used to elevate younger talent like Fatu.
Strowman is not alone in this wave of releases. Dakota Kai, another prominent figure in WWE, was also released. Kai, who joined WWE in 2016 and made a notable comeback at SummerSlam in 2022 after her initial release, last appeared on March 17, 2025, during a RAW event. A four-time Tag Team Championess, Kai enjoyed a successful run in both NXT and the main roster, but her future with the company has now come to an abrupt halt.
Shayna Baszler, a formidable competitor and former MMA fighter, was also among those released. Baszler, who has been with WWE since 2017 and dominated NXT as a two-time Women’s Champion, last competed on April 11, 2025. Her career includes three Tag Team titles on the main roster, and she was known for her fierce in-ring style and strategic prowess.
Other notable names affected by this layoff include Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, who were previously recognized as a successful tag team. The duo captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in December 2023 but had seen their roles diminish in recent months, with their last appearance in a Gauntlet match on April 11, 2025.
Additionally, Gigi Dolin, Cora Jade, Eddy Thorpe, Riley Osborne, Javier Bernal, Jakara Jackson, and the British trio Gallus, consisting of Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang, were also released. Each of these talents has contributed significantly to WWE, whether through championship reigns or memorable matches. The release of these talents, particularly Jade, who was once seen as a rising star, has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Oro Mensah, who confirmed his departure in a heartfelt statement on social media, thanked his supporters and reflected on the sacrifices he made over his 15-year career. Mensah, who had been a member of the Meta-Four group in NXT, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he received during his time with WWE.
In total, WWE confirmed the release of 15 talents, including both main roster and NXT wrestlers. This latest round of layoffs follows a previous wave that saw several backstage employees let go, indicating a broader restructuring within the company. While WWE has not publicly detailed the reasons for these cuts, speculation suggests it may be related to expiring contracts and internal realignments.
The implications of these releases are significant, as many of the affected wrestlers possess the experience and charisma to thrive in other promotions, such as AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the independent circuit. The wrestling landscape is ever-evolving, and the departure of such established names could lead to exciting opportunities elsewhere.
As the wrestling world processes this news, reactions from fans and fellow wrestlers continue to pour in. Shayna Baszler, in a tweet following her release, stated, "No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the galaxy burn." This sentiment reflects the frustration and uncertainty many wrestlers feel amid such sudden changes.
Moreover, the release of high-ranking creative personnel, including Christine Lubrano, who served as Senior Vice President of Creative Writing Operations, suggests that WWE is not only reevaluating its talent roster but also its creative direction moving forward. Lubrano's departure adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing changes within the organization.
In conclusion, the recent wave of layoffs at WWE marks a pivotal moment in the company's history, affecting numerous talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the wrestling industry. As fans and analysts alike await further developments, one thing is clear: the landscape of professional wrestling is shifting, and the future holds both challenges and opportunities for those affected by these changes.
