Jason Burgos
On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects on the WWE roster found out that their services were no longer needed by the company. While the releases caught many fans off guard, following WrestleMania season, as the company refreshes storylines, they also refresh the roster. And slashing payroll in the spring has become a yearly occurrence.
However, in recent years, there has been a second round of releases later in the year. While it looks like this set of cuts is done, these 10 WWE stars could sadly be a part of more releases later this year.
Austin Theory
Austin Theory really needs to hope this run with The Vision leads to something more. He has gotten many opportunities in the company, including a big push a few years ago that led to a win over John Cena at WrestleMania.
While he is currently one half of the World Tag Team Champions, this new version of his character hasn’t gotten much traction, and he pretty much serves as the main loss-taker for the faction. If The Vision doesn’t build serious momentum over the next six months, Theory could be at the top of the next roster cut list.
Wendy Choo
Wendy Choo has been in the WWE system for seven years. She is the longest tenured performer who has not reached the main roster. Currently, she holds the top women’s title in Evolve, but that is the lowest level in the WWE system. After going through a couple of character changes, Choo must make some major waves in Evolove, as being released in 2026 is a real possibility.
Fraxiom
The tag duo of Axiom and Nathan Frazer is so talented. They were an anchor on NXT throughout 2024 and will go down as one of the brand’s greatest tag teams. Yet, the main roster continues to be a place where tag teams go to disappear.
Thus far, the duo has been wasted on SmackDown as WWE creative can’t seem to figure out how to showcase their tag division. Because Fraxiom does a lot of its talking in the ring, they both seem in danger of being subject to salary cuts later this year.
Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura will go down as the greatest Japanese-born performer in WWE history. However, they’ve missed the opportunity to push him into the main event long-term on several occasions. At 46 years old, his best days are behind him. Making matters worse is that he has had such a limited role on SmackDown over the last year.
It just feels like it is a matter of time before WWE bean counters decide he is getting too much money for how little he is used.
Creed Bros.
There was so much hype about the Creed Bros. during their time in NXT. There was speculation that both could be future main eventers on the main roster. However, fans quickly found out when they were promoted that their personalities don’t match their impressive skills in the ring.
When Chad Gable gets unmasked as the OG El Grande Americano, if the reborn version of American Made doesn’t get traction over the summer, the Creed’s days in WWE could be over.
Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed showed in 2025 that he can be a major player in WWE. However, over the last year, he has also proven he is having trouble staying healthy. Let’s not forget, this is his second run in the company after being released in 2021. Yet, he has sustained two major injuries since rejoining WWE in 2022.
Zoey Starks had similar upside and talent but also dealt with multiple major injuries during her tenure. She was among the 23 cuts this week while nearing the end of her recovery from torn knee ligaments.
Ivy Nile
Ivy Nile is a rock-solid performer with a unique look. However, like her faction mates, the Creed Brothers, she lacks personality. There was an opportunity for WWE creative to form a long-term tag team with her and Maxxine Dupri. However, they took the latter in a different direction.
With NXT churning out new female talent all the time, Nile needs to get some momentum if she hopes to keep her spot the rest of the year.
The Miz
The Miz continues to prove why he is valuable and willing to do whatever the company needs. However, change is inevitable, and after 20 years in WWE, it puts him right in the crosshairs of roster cuts.
Making his situation even more tenuous is that Ethan Page was called up to RAW this week. The NXT star, in many ways, is a younger and probably much more cost-effective version of The Miz. While it may not be likely this year, The Miz should still have some concerns about his future in WWE.
JC Mateo
JC Mateo is a talented wrestler and has proven it during his tenures in Lucha Underground and NJPW. However, he has been relegated to being an MFT henchman since joining the company last year. It would be in his best interest to break off from the team and showcase his talents as a solo act. Because right now, he has been put in a position to be easily replaced down the line.
