Story perspectives

WWE Releases 22 Wrestlers, Ends Wyatt Sicks Faction

4/26/2026

Summary

WWE Cuts

WWE cut 22 wrestlers on Friday, April 24, 2026, after WrestleMania 42.
Aleister Black and Zelina Vega were cut, with Vega saying the call came at 5:09 PM.
The Wyatt Sicks—Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis—were released, ending the faction.
Andre Chase, Dante Chen, Tyra Steele, Sirena Linton, Trill London and Malik Blade were cut, signaling a generational reset under TKO Group Holdings.

Summary

WWE Cuts Talent

WWE cut wrestlers after fan backlash over high WrestleMania ticket prices and heavy celebrity involvement.
Critics tied the cuts to WWE's perceived Make America Great Again (MAGA) alignment under TKO Group Holdings, intensifying fan anger.
Analysts said rival promotions such as All Elite Wrestling and TNA may target the newly free talent.
Released wrestlers remain bound by standard non-compete clauses, which could delay immediate signings elsewhere.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 the WWF bought WCW’s assets for $3 million, ending the Monday Night War. The 2023 merger formed TKO Group Holdings, keeping WWE as a subsidiary. In April 2026 TKO released 22 wrestlers amid WrestleMania 42 ticket-price backlash, echoing the 2001 talent reshuffle that followed the WCW purchase and the later brand-split era.

1 of 3

WWE Cuts

WWE cut 22 wrestlers on Friday, April 24, 2026, after WrestleMania 42.
Aleister Black and Zelina Vega were cut, with Vega saying the call came at 5:09 PM.
The Wyatt Sicks—Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis—were released, ending the faction.
Andre Chase, Dante Chen, Tyra Steele, Sirena Linton, Trill London and Malik Blade were cut, signaling a generational reset under TKO Group Holdings.

1 / 3