New talent and possible SmackDown changes reportedly played major roles
Summary
– WWE’s April 24 roster cuts were reportedly made mainly to create space for new talent
– Possible changes to SmackDown programming may have also influenced the releases
– Main roster talent remain under contract for 90 days while NXT talent have 30 days
WWE’s latest round of roster cuts on April 24 left fans searching for answers, and new details are now shedding light on why so many names were released at once.
The departures impacted both the main roster and NXT talent, creating major discussion across the wrestling world about what was happening behind the scenes.
According to Fightful Select, the main reason for the cuts was to make room for incoming talent expected to join WWE in the near future.
Sources inside the company reportedly said most of the releases were directly tied to opening roster space for new performers expected to debut soon.
Another factor being discussed is the possibility of SmackDown returning to a two-hour format, which could reduce the need for as many active performers across the weekly television schedule.
That change has been rumored for weeks and could play a major role in how WWE structures both its main roster and developmental system moving forward.
The report also clarified a point that often confuses when releases happen, especially regarding the contract status of the talent involved.
These situations are not traditional non-compete clauses, as the wrestlers are still technically under contract during the notice period before becoming free agents.
For main roster talent, that contract period lasts 90 days, while NXT talent remains under contract for 30 days after their release.
Several of the NXT departures were also reportedly tied to future signings expected at the WWE Performance Center, with new names likely to be announced soon.
This suggests the company is not simply cutting costs but actively reshaping the roster to prepare for the next wave of talent entering the system.
Taken together, the April 24 cuts look like part of a larger reset inside WWE as the company balances incoming stars, possible television changes, and the future direction of both the main roster and NXT.
