WWE’s Post-WrestleMania 42 Roster Purge: 23 Superstars Released

WWE announced the termination or non-renewal of contracts for 23 wrestlers across Raw, SmackDown, NXT and developmental brands on Friday, April 24, 2026, less than a week after WrestleMania 42.

WWE release 22 Wrestlers after WrestleMania in brutal round of cuts

WWE traditionally conducts a post-WrestleMania talent review to free roster spots. The 2026 purge follows WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, which generated record ticket and pay-per-view revenue under TKO Group Holdings.

WWE release 22 Wrestlers after WrestleMania in brutal round of cuts

ProWrestling.net listed 23 names; other outlets reported 22-25, showing a fluid count. The cuts include the five-member Wyatt Sicks, the Motor City Machine Guns, 11 former mid-card champions and three former NXT Women’s champions. WWE President Nick Khan earned $24 million in 2025, underscoring profitability.

WWE Releases Roster Members Following WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas

Veterans released include Aleister Black, Zelina Vega (real-life couple), Kairi Sane and Apollo Crews. The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan) were fully dissolved. Tag team Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin) and NXT talents Andre Chase, Dante Chen and several developmental wrestlers were also cut.

WWE releases 2026: List of cuts after WrestleMania 42 includes Kairi Sane, Bo Dallas, Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black and more

The purge reduces the mid-card depth, accelerates the dissolution of the Wyatt Sicks storyline, and signals a shift toward younger talent and cost-controlled contracts. It also opens the free-agent market, likely strengthening rival promotions.

WWE Releases Mark the End of the Wyatt Sicks and a Fundamental Shift in Roster Philosophy

WWE posted the roster changes on its website without a press release. Reporters Sean Ross Sapp (Fightful) and Mike Johnson (PWInsider) confirmed the list. No official explanation of the criteria was given.

Aleister Black And Every Other Superstar Just Released By WWE

Commentators (Heavy.com, Bleeding Cool) called the cuts a profit-first move, noting they followed WrestleMania’s high ticket prices and celebrity-heavy matches. Fans criticized releasing established talent while the company celebrated record earnings.

WWE Releases Nikki Cross, Alba Fyre, More in Post-Mania Purge

Sources list 22-25 releases; ProWrestling.net cites 23. Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis were initially unconfirmed but later reported released. WWE has not disclosed non-compete lengths.

Breaking News: WWE Releases The Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, MCMG, Kairi Sane & More - Main Roster List

• “Goodbye and thank you, WWE… I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold,” — Nikki Cross, WWE Superstar

Complex

• “Usually, it would say Stamford calling you… But this time it said TKO,” — Zelina Vega, WWE Superstar

WWE RELEASES 2026: Full List Of Every Superstar Fired Post-WrestleMania 42; Bo Dallas and Zoey Stark Issue Emotional Statements

• “It's not enough, it's not enough. It's not enough for you to save me now. Cause where was your hand when I was always screaming out?” — Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), WWE Performer

WWE Releases Nikki Cross, Alba Fyre, More in Post-Mania Purge

• “??lol” — Joe Gacy, WWE Wrestler

WWE Releases Nikki Cross, Alba Fyre, More in Post-Mania Purge

• “Today’s been a very sad day… Absolutely guttered for my friends and comrades ?Worst time of the year. Go prove them all wrong! ? — RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) @PiperNivenWWE wrote:” — Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar

Sports Illustrated

Released talent will observe a 30-day (NXT) or 90-day (main roster) non-compete before free-agency. AEW, TNA and international promotions are expected to target veterans such as the Motor City Machine Guns and Aleister Black. WWE appears to prioritize younger, contract-ready performers for upcoming programming.

Heavy