On Friday, May 2nd, 2025, WWE ended contracts with several talents. Big names like Dakota Kai, Braun Strowman, and Cora Jade were among those released. The wrestling world quickly reacted, with fans and peers showing support for the affected wrestlers.
The latest WWE cuts are part of their usual post-WrestleMania roster changes. Earlier in the week, 10 to 12 office staff were let go before the talent releases began. More names are expected to be announced as the process continues.
So far, the released wrestlers include:
- Braun Strowman
- Shayna Baszler
- Dakota Kai
- Kayden Carter
- Katana Chance
- Cora Jade
- Eddy Thorpe
- Gigi Dolin
- Riley Osborne
- Jakara Jackson
- Wolfgang
- Joe Coffey
- Mark Coffey
- Oro Mensah
- Javier Bernal
The full list keeps growing as WWE trims its roster.
How have superstars reacted to their releases?
Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman posted two pictures showing his presence on a cruise. The first picture showed him holding a drink in his hand, with the sunset behind. While the other post was a bit direct as he seemed to enjoy the ride and wrote, “I might just retire here!!!!!”Strowman looks least affected by his release, coming from the knee issues that he struggled with.
Dakota Kai
Classic Dakota,being a gamer, posted the iconic dialogue from the game, GTA: San Andreas. The opening to the game that goes like, “Ah shit, here we go again”was something that resonated with Kai. She posted a GIF of the same, adding a white heart in the caption. Maybe she saw it coming and was devastated, and looks to build everything from scratch.
Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler quoted from Warhammer’s anthology, Let The Galaxy Burn. She added the same title to conclude, but wrote, “No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality.” ahead of it.She also posted a video of the same dialogue for reference and emphasis. Baszler was quite underutilized in her last few years and lacked creative direction.
Cora Jade and Riley Osborne
Riley Osborne has not posted anything by himself but was seen drinking with his wife, Bea Priestley, and friend, Cora Jade. Jade posted a selfie of herself and the couple, only to write a great caption, “Just got a lot of free time in our hands, see you soon.”Her next posts were a thank-you note for the fans. She also replied back to Roxxane Perez’s post of their photos, stating them to be the wrestling soulmates. However, to end her reactions, she has changed her name officially to Elayna Black and is open to work on elaynablack@yahoo.com
Eddy Thorpe
Gigi Dolin
Jakara Jackson
Ora Mensah
Javier Bernal
Gallus
