Full Breakdown
WWE Announces Post-WrestleMania Roster Cuts, Releasing Seven Superstars
4/25/2026, 8:11:02 AM
April 24 2026 Roster Reductions
On April 24 2026 WWE confirmed that a group of performers had been released or informed that their contracts would not be renewed. The list released by multiple outlets includes Nikki Cross, Bo Dallas (performing as Uncle Howdy), Joe Gacy, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, Andre Chase and the Wyatt Sicks stable’s leader Bo Dallas. Sources such as WrestleTalk, Fightful, PWInsider, ProWrestling.net and SlamWrestling reported the same names, indicating a coordinated cut across the Raw, SmackDown and NXT brands.
Background: Annual Post-WrestleMania Talent Review
WWE traditionally conducts roster evaluations after WrestleMania, a pattern noted after the 2025 and 2024 events. Industry analysts describe the cuts as part of routine budgetary and creative adjustments that follow the company’s flagship show.
Key Talent Affected
- Nikki Cross – Ten-year veteran (joined 2016), former Raw Women’s Champion, three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion and 2021 Money-in-the-Bank winner.
- Bo Dallas / Uncle Howdy – Two-time WWE performer (2008-2021, 2022-2026), former NXT Champion and Raw Tag Team Champion.
- Joe Gacy – Joined 2020, former WWE Tag Team Champion with Dexter Lumis.
- Alba Fyre – Signed 2019, former NXT UK Women’s Champion (649-day reign) and former Women’s Tag Team Champion with Isla Dawn.
- Zoey Stark – Signed 2021, former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion with IYO SKY; out since May 2025 due to ACL/MCL injury.
- Andre Chase – Joined 2021, two-time NXT Tag Team Champion and former leader of the Chase U stable.
Timeline of Announcements
- April 24 2026 (morning) – Fightful and PWInsider list the first names.
- April 24 2026 (afternoon) – Nikki Cross posts a farewell on X; Bo Dallas, Joe Gacy, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark and Andre Chase confirm via social media.
- April 24 2026 (evening) – Jason Powell notes that cuts were expected earlier in the day.
- Subsequent updates – Reports indicate the status of remaining Wyatt Sicks members Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis remains unconfirmed.
Data & Statistics
- Confirmed releases: 7 performers.
- Combined tenure: Over 45 years of service across the group.
- Championships held by released talent: 12 title reigns (including 1 Raw Women’s, 3 Women’s Tag Team, 1 NXT UK Women’s, 2 NXT Tag Team, 1 NXT Championship, 1 Raw Tag Team).
Impact on Storylines and Divisions
The Wyatt Sicks faction loses its leader (Uncle Howdy) and two members (Cross, Gacy), effectively dissolving the group. The women’s division loses two former champions, disrupting ongoing tag-team narratives. NXT loses a stable head (Chase) and a former UK champion (Fyre), prompting potential roster reshuffles.
Official Statements & Responses
- Nikki Cross thanked WWE staff, coaches Robbie Brookside and William Regal, and the locker-room community.
- Joe Gacy acknowledged his exit with a brief “lol” emoji post.
- Andre Chase expressed gratitude to fans and highlighted his unexpected rise to television.
- Sean Ross Sapp (Fightful) clarified that some departures may be contract expirations rather than outright releases.
Criticism, Uncertainty, and Gaps
- No official WWE press release has detailed the rationale or total number of cuts.
- Sources differ on whether each departure is a release or a contract non-renewal, creating ambiguity.
- The employment status of Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Goodbye and Thank you WWE I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold. Thank you all for the continued love and support. Special thank you to Robbie Brookside and William Regal for helping this dream come true. Thank you to the wrestlers, coaches, producers and all the backstage crew who make all this possible. To the amazing girls in locker room ?” — Nikki Cross, Former WWE Women’s Champion
- “??lol” — Joe Gacy, Former WWE Tag Team Champion
- “I just want to say thank you. Thank you for all of the support. Thanks to everyone who would throw up the ‘U’s at the shows, whether you bought my t-shirt or action figure, played with me on WWE 2K, just know that you helped make something out of nothing,” — Andre Chase, Former NXT Tag Team Champion
- “We should say ‘departure’ as we’re not sure if these are releases or expirations.” — Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful Reporter
- “-Nikki Cross -Joe Gacy -“Uncle Howdy” Bo Dallas -Zoey Stark -Alba Fyre -Andre Chase Powell’s POV: I reported earlier today during the Dot Net Weekly audio show that cuts were expected to take place today.” — Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor
What’s Next for the Released Talent
All six wrestlers posted availability for bookings, signings and seminars beginning in June 2026. Their future affiliations—whether with independent promotions, rival major companies, or non-wrestling ventures—remain to be announced as the industry monitors the post-WrestleMania landscape.
