WWE Wrestlers: The professional wrestling landscape has been shaken to its core following WrestleMania 42. In what has become a dreaded annual tradition known as “Spring Cleaning,” WWE has officially released a large group of performers from its roster.
The move, coming just five days after the record-breaking festivities in Philadelphia, includes a mix of decorated veterans, former champions, and rising stars from the NXT Performance Center. As the news broke on Friday, April 24, 2026, fans and industry insiders began speculating on where these marquee names will land next.
The Full List: Main Roster and NXT Names Released
The list of departures is extensive, featuring several names that were central to recent storylines. Most notably, Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, and Zelina Vega find themselves back on the free-agent market. Perhaps most surprising is the release of the entire Wyatt Sicks faction, including Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan, effectively ending one of the company’s most atmospheric supernatural angles.
The Full List of Released Talent:
- Main Roster Staples: Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, Zelina, Nikki Cross, Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Dexter Lumis.
- Tag Teams & Factions: The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley), The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Rowan, Joe Gacy).
- NXT & Rising Stars: Andre Chase, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre, Malik Blade, Luca Crusifino, Tyra Mae Steele, Sirena Linton, Tyson, Tyriek, Chris Island, Trill London.
AEW Bound? Speculation Swirls Around MCMG and Kairi Sane
With dozens of world-class athletes now unattached, all eyes are on Tony Khan and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Industry analysts suggest that the Motor City Machine Guns are the most logical acquisition for AEW, offering potential dream matches against FTR or The Young Bucks. Meanwhile, the release of workhorses like Alba Fyre and the legendary Kairi Sane provides a golden opportunity for AEW to bolster its women’s division, which has seen a shift in momentum recently. While Aleister Black remains a massive name, his future remains a question mark as he navigates the standard 90-day non-compete clause.
The Ethics of “Record Profits” vs. Roster Cuts
The timing of these releases has once again sparked a heated debate among the “IWC” (Internet Wrestling Community). WWE recently boasted about its staggering financial success in 2025, with President Nick Khan reportedly earning $24 million and the company seeing record-breaking gates for WrestleMania. Critics argue that firing performers—many of whom traveled and promoted the brand during its most profitable week—feels “cold” and corporate. While WWE maintains that these are “budgetary cuts” necessary for business evolution, the optics of releasing talent amidst record revenue continue to draw fire from diehard fans.