Friday was a tough day for a handful of NXT 2.0 stars as WWE released 10 names from the promotion. Unfortunately, reports are surfacing that NXT might not be the only brand in WWE hit with releases.
As per a report by Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer, more WWE releases might be coming soon. WWE has already cut a number of talent from the Raw and SmackDown rosters over the past couple of years, but Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that he’s heard that WWE is not done yet with budget cuts. He added, "There were 10 [NXT releases] and there’s people in the company who think that’s not it. I’ve heard rumblings about more…”
He wasn't speculating as to who might be cut or from which roster, but he did note that this is the time of year when WWE typically does this type of 'house cleaning'. Budget cuts traditionally happen around the time of an investor call and Meltzer said, “There’s definitely people on the main roster that you could see could be [cut]." If the report or rumors are accurate, it would make sense to make those cuts prior to the call so that WWE could discuss saving the investors money as they release the financials and talk about future earnings.
It also suggests that previously released stars are unlikely to be making a return.
Will Any Big Names Go?
There were some surprise names in the NXT crop that was released on Friday. Among them, Dakota Kai, Dexter Lumis, and Harland. If main roster talent are on their way out, it will be interesting to see if WWE releases the performers that aren't on programming as often as others, or looks to shed serious salary by removing names that are making higher salaries and not necessarily providing a return on investment.
From there, it will be intriguing to see which names are rumored to make a move to AEW, as that tends to be the conversation once releases are announced.
h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription
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