Company confirms departures were part of its regular talent cycle, not budget cuts
Summary
– WWE releases multiple NXT developmental names including Wes Lee and Stevie Turner
– Sources confirm departures were part of routine talent evaluation, not financial reasons
– WWE continues to recruit new Performance Center talent despite recent exits
The latest wave of WWE developmental releases has officially ended, signaling another round of internal restructuring at the Performance Center. Sources within the company have clarified that these cuts were not about finances but rather the ongoing process of rotating and evaluating talent within NXT.
Among those released or parting ways were Wes Lee, Stevie Turner, Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ” Ray. Kylie Rae confirmed her ID contract would not be renewed, while Zayda Steel opted not to re-sign. Insiders have stated that this round of departures has now “effectively concluded.”
Fightful Select reported that the total number of exits reached roughly a dozen, including a mix of releases, expired contracts, and declined renewal offers. Wes Lee was the most surprising name on the list, given his history as an NXT North American Champion and one of the brand’s most consistent performers. However, WWE officials described the decision as “a natural progression of cycling out developmental talent.”
Bryan Alvarez also reinforced that the move had nothing to do with cost-cutting measures, noting that WWE continues to operate with over 130 developmental wrestlers while actively recruiting new prospects. According to Alvarez, “If you’re not progressing fast enough or they feel you don’t have what it takes for the main roster, you’re out to make room for someone new.”
Even with the departures, WWE’s recruitment push remains steady. New talent continues to enter the system as the company looks to develop the next generation of stars ready for the main roster spotlight.
