Entering 2026, WWE has its deepest and most talent-rich roster ever. Sure, they have many pricey veterans and legends on RAW and SmackDown. However, NXT has become a star factory for the company over the last 20 years, and the main roster just got a big influx of elite talent from the black and gold brand.
NXT veterans Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Lash Legend, and Jordynne Grace are officially on the RAW or SmackDown rosters, or will be soon. Furthermore, rumors have suggested Blake Monroe and NXT women’s champ Jacy Jayne could be next, and North American titlist Ethan Page has been ready for a move up for quite some time.
But the company already has a time crunch on their television shows, and adding all these rising stars could make quite a few veterans expendable. With that in mind, we look at which WWE stars are in danger of being cut soon.
Motor City Machine Guns
TNA legends, the Motor City Machine Guns, were one of the major additions by the company in 2025. However, they have been MIA on episodes of SmackDown in recent weeks. With the company heading in the direction of a major youth movement on the roster, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin may be on the chopping block early in 2026.
The Miz
There is little doubt that The Miz is a future WWE Hall of Famer. He is one of the company’s longest tenured performers and is willing to do whatever they need. However, he is also probably getting paid pretty well because of his accomplishments during his long career.
With Ethan Page looking like a younger and newer version of him, WWE could definitely decide to release the Miz and go with a more cost-effective option later this year.
The Street Profits
Similar to the MCMT, the Street Profits have not been seen on recent episodes of SmackDown. That could certainly change with the show going back to three hours, but the duo has seemed stale for quite some time. With Montez Ford passing on opportunities to go solo in the past, the company could decide to move on from the duo altogether instead of going with a breakup angle.
Grayson Waller
Grayson Waller is a talented performer with the gift of gab. He could also be another option to fill the Miz’s void if they released him. But after not being placed in any major storylines during his time on the main roster, it is possible they cut ties as well. The Aussie has value and talent, but it feels like WWE creative doesn’t know how to make use of his abilities.
Elton Prince
With Kit Wilson getting his own theme song recently, it seems like Pretty Deadly is done as a tag team. But what does that mean for his partner, Elton Prince? It sure seems like WWE prefers the former over the latter. And with Prince having struggled with staying healthy, it seems very likely he will get released from his contract soon.
The Viking Raiders
There is no denying that WWE has put serious effort, multiple times, to turn the Viking Raiders into a top tag team in the company. However, they have never built real momentum. A major reason why is bad luck injuries to both men at the worst possible time. It’s possible the company could keep Ivar, but at this point, letting the legendary NXT duo continue as a team elsewhere seems more likely.
Zoey Starks
Zoey Starks has a ton of potential. She is a good athlete, is a very talented wrestler, and has underrated mic skills. However, injuries and disappointing booking has halted a rise to the top of the women’s division. She is currently working her way back from another major knee injury and could get one more chance.
However, with so many talented female performers being produced in NXT all the time, it would not be surprising if WWE chose to move on from Starks now.
