Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai & Others Reportedly Released From WWE
WWE Releases Talent Roster, Including Strowman, Baszler
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has reportedly released several performers from its roster. The news comes as a surprise to many fans, just weeks before SummerSlam.
Main Roster and NXT Talent depart
According to Fightful Select, an internal memo revealed the departures of main roster stars Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler.NXT stars Dakota Kai, Kayden carter, and Katana Chance were also reportedly released.
Dakota Kai has been released by WWE, according to internal information obtained by @SeanRossSapp pic.twitter.com/P1zYzfypYa
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (May 2, 2025)
Cora Jade, a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, announced her departure on social media. “Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. stay tuned xoxo,” Jade posted on Twitter.
Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. stay tuned xoxo
— Cora Jade (@CoraJadeWWE) May 2, 2025
PWInsider reports additional NXT releases, including Gigi Dolin, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, Oro Mensah, and Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang). Jakara Jackson has also reportedly been released, days after her storyline split from tag team partner Lash legend.
Dakota Kai’s WWE Tenure
Sean Ross Sapp noted that some talent contracts may not have been renewed. Dakota Kai was approaching the three-year anniversary of her return to WWE. Initially released in April 2022, Kai was among the first re-hires by Paul “Triple H” Levesque upon becoming WWE Chief Content Officer.
Kai, Bayley, and IYO SKY formed Damage CTRL at summerslam 2022. Kai remained a member until her release. Earlier this year, she competed for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship but was removed from television before WrestleMania 41.
— 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 🎮 (@ImKingKota) May 2, 2025
During WrestleMania week, Kai expressed her desire for a damage CTRL reunion with Asuka and Kairi Sane, aiming for all four members to hold championship gold concurrently.
Strowman’s Return and Recent Activity
Strowman also returned to WWE under Levesque’s leadership in September 2022. He engaged in feuds with Omos, Bronson Reed, and Jacob Fatu.
During WrestleMania week, strowman expressed interest in facing Jacob Fatu again after fatu won the United States Championship.
Reported WWE Releases
- Braun Strowman
- Shayna Baszler
- Dakota Kai
- Kayden Carter
- Katana Chance
- Cora Jade
- Gigi Dolin
- Riley Osborne
- Eddy Thorpe
- Oro Mensah
- Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang)
- Jakara Jackson
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
WWE Releases: A Complete Look at the Roster Cuts
The wrestling world is buzzing with news of major WWE talent releases. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the announced departures and their implications,ensuring your up-to-date on everything happening.
WhatS the latest concerning WWE’s roster?
Reports indicate that WWE has released several performers from its roster. these releases have sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, especially given the timing just weeks before the SummerSlam event.
Who specifically has been released by WWE?
According to reports, the following talent have been released:
- Braun Strowman
- Shayna Baszler
- Dakota Kai
- Kayden Carter
- Katana Chance
- Cora Jade
- Gigi Dolin
- Riley Osborne
- Eddy Thorpe
- Oro Mensah
- Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang)
- Jakara Jackson
What are the sources reporting these WWE releases?
The initial reports come from Fightful Select, based on internal WWE memos. Additional confirmations and details have been provided by other wrestling news outlets. Such as, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com via his twitter account reported on dakota Kai’s release. Cora Jade and several other talent have also mentioned their departures on social media.
dakota Kai has been released by WWE, according to internal data obtained by @SeanRossSapp pic.twitter.com/P1zYzfypYa
Thankful for all the childhood dreams I got to live out! I have a lot to say in due time. stay tuned xoxo
— Cora Jade (@CoraJadeWWE) May 2, 2025
Why are WWE releases happening?
WWE releases are a complex matter. While the exact reasons are often not publicly disclosed, the following factors could contribute:
- Budget Cuts: The wrestling buisness is always changing, and cost-cutting measures are periodically implemented.
- Creative Directions: Sometimes, a wrestler’s role or future plans may no longer align with the company’s creative vision.
- Contract Expiration: some releases can be the result of a contract not being renewed.
What’s the meaning of Dakota Kai’s release?
Dakota Kai’s release is particularly captivating given her history and recent storylines. Here are some key points:
- Return Under Triple H: Kai was among the first re-hires by Paul “Triple H” Levesque after he became WWE Chief Content Officer,showcasing his investment in her.
- Damage CTRL Involvement: She was a key member of Damage CTRL, alongside Bayley and IYO SKY, a prominent stable in the women’s division.
- Recent Championship Pursuit: Earlier this year, she competed for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship; though, she was removed from television before WrestleMania 41.
Here is dakota Kai’s post about her release:
What was Dakota Kai’s wish for Damage CTRL?
During WrestleMania week, Kai expressed her desire for a Damage CTRL reunion with Asuka and Kairi Sane, aiming for all four members to hold championship gold concurrently. This highlights the strong bonds and aspirations within the group.
what has Braun Strowman been doing recently?
Braun Strowman returned to WWE under Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s leadership in September 2022. Since then, he has had feuds with Omos, Bronson Reed, and jacob Fatu.
What were Strowman’s plans?
During WrestleMania week, Strowman expressed interest in facing Jacob Fatu again after Fatu won the United States Championship.
A Summary of the releases
To summarize the recent releases, here is a table:
| Wrestler | Notes |
|---|---|
| Braun Strowman | Former Worldwide Champion |
| shayna Baszler | Former MMA fighter, prominent in the women’s division |
| Dakota kai | Member of Damage CTRL |
| Kayden Carter & Katana Chance | Former NXT Tag Team Champions |
| Cora jade | Former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion |
| Gigi Dolin | Former NXT talent |
| Riley Osborne | NXT talent |
| Eddy Thorpe | NXT talent |
| Oro Mensah | NXT talent |
| Gallus | (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) – Multi-time tag team champions |
| Jakara Jackson | NXT talent |
What does this mean for the future of WWE?
These releases will open up opportunities for other wrestlers on the roster to step up and showcase their talents. It also could signal shifts in the creative direction of WWE. Fans can expect adjustments to storylines, matches, and the overall landscape of the company.
Where can I get the latest updates?
As this is a developing story, stay tuned for updates from reliable wrestling news sources like Fightful Select, PWInsider, and trusted wrestling journalists.