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2025 is nearing its end, and WWE has once again proven its dominance both inside and outside the ring. The company has reached incredible milestones this year, thanks to its groundbreaking partnerships with Netflix and ESPN, which have pushed sports entertainment to new global heights. With its brand stronger than ever, WWE remains at the center of the wrestling world.However, as the business continues to boom, WWE has once again made several cuts to streamline its roster. Superstars who didn’t fit current storylines or long-term plans have been released throughout the year. While some names were expected, others came as genuine shocks to fans. Let’s check out the list of stars who were released this year.#45. Haze JamesonHaze Jameson appeared in the most recent edition of WWE LFG but didn’t quite leave a mark during the contest. Despite early potential, her performance didn’t impress a number of names. She was quietly released from the company soon after,#44. Dani PalmerDani Palmer was a promising performer who initially caught attention in NXT with her athletic ability and spirit. Unfortunately, limited creative direction and screen time made it difficult for her to attract fans. In May, Palmer confirmed her release on social media, joining a wave of other NXT stars who were let go around the same time.#43. Zara ZakherAustralia’s Zara Zakher was one of the standout names in NXT, showing great potential during her rise. However, internal creative changes reportedly led to her being released from the company as well. Her talent was deemed to be fit for the roster, but the internal changes led to her sudden release.#42. Jin TalaJin Tala emerged as one of the top competitors during the first season of WWE LFG. Her unique style and charisma drew strong reactions. However, after months without appearances, possibly due to the lack of any creative plans, she announced her WWE release in October.#41. Summer SorrellA strong name from WWE Evolve, Summer Sorrell impressed a lot of names behind the scenes with her determination and in-ring performances. However, despite strong crowd reactions, she couldn’t maintain consistent momentum, leading to her release later in the year.#40. Jamar HamptonKnown for his work in LFG and Evolve, Jamar Hampton had built quite a fan following. However, the star couldn’t impress a lot of names backstage, which led to his release from the company. After news of his release, Hampton surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from professional wrestling altogether.#39. Elektra LopezElektra Lopez made her name in NXT with a combination of charisma and power. The star accompanied Legado Del Fantasma for a few months, making a name for herself on the main roster. However, the lack of creative plans for her seemingly led to her release from the company.#38. Zayda SteelZayda Steel stood out as one of the more promising female names from WWE ID. Her athleticism and intensity caught attention backstage. However, she was part of the October round of releases. Reports suggest AEW might be interested in bringing her in soon, which could mark a fresh start for the star.#37. Drako KnoxDrako Knox was a powerhouse whose physical style made him a force in NXT. Despite the buzz around his potential, Knox went missing from programming for weeks before being officially released in October. With his absence before the release, it is believed that the lack of creative plans led to the company letting him go.#36. Duke HudsonOne of the first names cut this year, Duke Hudson, rose to fame with Chase University in NXT. The star ended up having no creative direction after the faction was disbanded, which led to his release in January. A possible reunion of the faction might lead to the company bringing him back sometime in the future.#35. BJ RayBJ Ray, a standout from WWE’s NIL program, made a strong impression early on but wasn’t offered a contract renewal. While the reason for his release wasn’t disclosed, WWE may revisit him down the line once he gains more experience outside the company.#34. Giovanni VinciA key member of Imperium alongside Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci was deemed to be a massive name in the industry. However, after teasing his singles run for a long time, his push faded out. Vinci was officially released in February, which marked the end of his journey with the company.#33. Cedric AlexanderCedric Alexander, known for his high-flying offense and heart, spent years in WWE delivering quality matches. However, without a consistent creative direction, he couldn’t establish himself as a top name. The star was officially released in February, bringing an end to a run that fans felt had never received its due credit.#32. Blair DavenportBlair Davenport showed strong promise during her NXT tenure, even earning a brief main roster call-up in 2024. Despite a few great matches, her appearances faded. When WWE announced her release in February, fans around the world were surprised, given her talent and potential.#31. Kylie RaeA former AEW and TNA standout, Kylie Rae’s WWE stint was seen as a career resurgence. She impressed during her early months, but her October release caught fans off guard. While the star managed to make a name for herself with her time in the company, the company decided to release her, which left the fans surprised.#30. Stevie TurnerA breakout name from NXT UK, Stevie Turner was considered one of the division’s most creative and confident stars. Despite her potential, she was released in October. Turner has since hinted at returning to the independent scene soon.#29. Eddy ThorpeEddy Thorpe brought a unique energy to NXT, blending his NJPW roots with a strong wrestling base. Though talented, WWE couldn’t find the right creative direction for him, leading to his release earlier this year. Considering his talent, it won’t be surprising if WWE decides to bring him back sometime in the future.#28. Riley OsborneYoung and dynamic, Riley Osborne had all the qualities of a breakout star. However, a lack of storylines and exposure hindered his rise. WWE quietly released him earlier in the year, disappointing fans who had seen glimpses of his potential in early matches.#27. Isla DawnIsla Dawn, alongside Alba Fyre, was developing into a compelling tag team act on the main roster. Their chemistry was evident, but WWE unexpectedly released Isla while keeping Fyre. While Fyre is still a part of the company, it is still wondered why the company pulled the trigger on Isla Dawn.#26. ValhallaReturning in 2022 as the manager of The Viking Raiders, Valhalla fit perfectly into her role but was rarely used outside of it. When her deal came up for renewal, WWE opted not to extend it, parting ways with her in June 2025. While the star was not released, her time with the company came to an end this year.#25, #24 & #23. Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey & Wolfgang)Gallus were among NXT’s toughest and most respected trios. Known for their raw, physical style, they even trained with The Rock for his in-ring return at WrestleMania XL. Fans were stunned when all three members were released by the company, considering the impact they had on the tag team division of the brand.#22. Javier BernalJavier Bernal displayed energy and passion throughout his time in NXT, but was never given a consistent storyline. Despite strong performances, WWE released him earlier this year. His departure felt premature to fans who believed he had much more to offer. It would be interesting to see if the star is brought back to the company some time in the future.#21. Oro MensahAs a member of Meta-Four, Oro Mensah impressed with his slick athleticism and professionalism. Just as it seemed he was gaining traction as an individual, WWE released him in May, the reason for which is still unknown.#20. Gigi DolinPart of the dominant Toxic Attraction trio, Gigi Dolin looked poised for singles success after Mandy Rose’s exit. However, the star couldn’t make an impact due to the lack of creative opportunities, which led to the company releasing her.#19. Sonya DevilleKnown for her adaptability both as an authority figure and competitor, Sonya Deville’s versatility made her an asset for the company. Yet, after multiple role changes, the star couldn’t get the attention of fans around the world, due to which WWE decided not to renew her contract in February.#18, #17 & #16 The Authors of Pain (Akam, Rezar & Paul Ellering)The Authors of Pain once looked unstoppable alongside Paul Ellering. Their return with The Final Testament generated buzz, but the momentum never truly took off. While they were not expected to be close to a release, the company decided to part ways with the star surprisingly.#15. Jakara JacksonJakara Jackson had the charisma and skill to thrive as a performer. However, the star struggled with inconsistent appearances. After multiple attempts to make a name for herself, the star broke out the news of her release, which left the fans surprised.#14 & #13. Katana Chance & Kayden CarterOne of WWE’s most dynamic women’s tag teams, Katana and Kayden captured the Women’s Tag Team titles and fan hearts alike. Their chemistry was unmatched, but fading focus from creative led to both being released earlier this year, marking the end of an exciting run in the women’s tag team division.#12. Lance Anoa’iA member of the famed Anoa’i family, Lance was expected to join The Bloodline storyline. However, after dealing with injuries that kept him out of action, the excitement of his addition to the Bloodline faded away. The star never made it to TV and was released after working a few dark matches.#11. Cora JadeOnce touted as the future of women’s wrestling, Cora Jade’s release shocked fans. Despite showing immense potential, injuries and limited creative backing hindered her push. WWE officially let her go in May, ending what could have been a breakout career.#10. CarlitoCarlito’s comeback brought nostalgia and flair, especially during his brief association with The Judgment Day. While fans enjoyed his short run, WWE released him earlier this year. Many believe he still has another run left in him. It would be interesting to see if the company brings him back for another ride.#9. Wes LeeA former NXT North American Champion, Wes Lee was regarded as a future star thanks to his versatility in singles and tag team divisions. His release from the company shocked fans, considering the amount of investment WWE made in him. Fans believe AEW could be eyeing him for a future signing.#8. Dakota KaiDakota Kai’s career has been full of stops and starts. Every time she gained momentum, injuries derailed her progress. WWE eventually decided to move on earlier this year, ending her turbulent but memorable tenure, leaving the fans surprised.#7. Former WWE Universal Champion Braun StrowmanOnce the Monster of All Monsters, Braun Strowman’s dominance waned after health setbacks. He never fully regained his top-tier momentum since his return, but fans believed that the star would get the push he deserved. However, WWE officially parted ways with him earlier this year.#6 & #5. The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)The Good Brothers, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, remained respected veterans wherever they went. Since their return to the company, the duo didn’t get a lot of opportunities to take over the tag team division once again. Their WWE exit in early 2025 left fans surprised, but happy at the same time, as the duo got the opportunity to take their talent to a place where they were given opportunities..#4. AndradeDespite being one of WWE’s most talented technicians, Andrade struggled to find his footing following his return at the Royal Rumble this year. With limited TV time and stop-start pushes, his release in September shocked many. However, the star’s status with the company remains controversial following his appearance in AEW right after the release.#3 & #2. Karrion Kross & ScarlettThe most talked-about release of 2025 came when WWE parted ways with Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Their dark, cinematic presentation gave them a unique aura, but diminishing TV time signaled trouble. After Kross’ final match against Sami Zayn, the company parted ways with the duo, deciding not to renew their contracts.#1. Ridge HollandRidge Holland’s WWE contract, initially set to run until November 2025, was terminated early following his social media criticism of the company during his injury recovery. Reports suggest that WWE will still cover his medical expenses, but Holland revealed financial struggles and the possibility of a neck fusion surgery.Fans will have to wait and see if the company plans to release any other star this year.
