Entertainment
WWE superstars released in 2021: All 80 wrestlers including Drake Maverick, Bray Wyatt and more
Bray Wyatt is one of the top names let go this year (Picture: WWE)
WWE has released more big names this week, with 80 superstars gone from the company in 2021 alone.
The promotion has reportedly cited budget cuts as a reason for the majority, although there have also been different circumstances with some, including – but not limited to – talent asking for their release.
The latest round of releases includes John Morrison, Drake Maverick, Tegan Nox, Shane Thorne, Jaxson Ryker and Hit Row members Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott, Top Dolla and Ashante Thee Adonis.
It’s been a tough year, with the cuts ranging from NXT prospects to legit main event names as ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman remain two of the biggest and most shocking cuts.
WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix tweeted after the latest news broke and simply wrote: ‘I’m so sad.’
Meanwhile, John Cena responded to a ‘powerful’ video by Maverick and said: ‘This is worth a watch. Very well done and very powerful message by a gifted performer.’
Since leaving WWE, talent has found homes in various promotions, with Bobby Fish, Ruby Riott (now Ruby Soho), Aleister Black (Malakai Black) and Andrade El Idolo among those who have joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Others – such as former IIconics duo Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee – have gone to IMPACT Wrestling, while Bronson Reed recently made the move to New Japan Pro Wrestling.
And with the wrestling world still waiting to find out if Bray Wyatt will remain in the business, it’s been confirmed the star (real name Windham Rotunda) is starting his Hollywood career.
Callosum Studios owner and special makeup effects artist Jason Baker exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘He’s a phenomenal collaborator, he’s become a really good friend, and we’re actually – you’re the first person that we’re publicly telling about [this]. We’re starting a film at the end of the month.’
Every WWE superstar released in 2021
Bobby FishMercedes MartinezLeon RuffTyler RustBronson ReedJake AtlasAri SterlingKona ReevesZechariah SmithAsher HaleGiant ZanjeerStephen SmithDezmond TroyBray WyattChase ParkerMatt MartelKillian DainMarina ShafierArturo RuasCurt StallionSunil SinghSamir SinghLars SullivanSteve CutlerAndradeBillie KayPeyton RoyceSamoa JoeKalistoChelsea GreenMickie JamesTuckerBo DallasMojo RawleyWesley BlakeJessmyn DukeKavita DeviVanessa BourneSkylaer StoryEzra JudgeAlexander WolfeVelveteen DreamBraun StrowmanLanaBuddy MurphyAleister BlackRuby RiottAugust GreyAriya DaivariTony NeseTyler BreezeFandangoSantana GarrettTino SabbatelliNia JaxEva MarieMia YimHarry SmithKeith LeeKarrion KrossScarlett BordeauxLince DoradoGran MetalikJeet RamaKatrina CortezTrey BaxterZayda RamierJessi KameaB-FabOney LorcanEmber MoonFranky MonetJohn MorrisonTop DollaAshante ‘Thee’ AdonisIsaiah ‘Swerve’ ScottTegan NoxDrake MaverickShane ThorneJaxson Ryker
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Bray Wyatt working on Hollywood movie as star’s first post-WWE project is confirmed
