WWE has made significant changes to its roster, releasing several talents from their contracts ahead of the upcoming Crown Jewel event. This decision was first reported by Cory Hays of BodySlam.net and later confirmed by Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful.
Confirmed WWE Releases
The release list features nine talents, with notable names including:
- Wes Lee
- Stevie Turner
- Lance Anoa’i
- Jin Tala
- Drako Knox
- Haze Jameson
- Summer Sorrell
- BJ Ray
- Jamar Hampton
Wes Lee’s Impact and History
Wes Lee stands out as one of the most notable releases. Previously wrestling under the name Dezmond Xavier, he had a storied career across various companies, including TNA and PWG. Lee joined WWE in late 2020, initially forming a successful tag team, MSK, with Nash Carter. The duo won the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic in 2021 and captured the NXT Tag Team Championships twice.
After Carter’s release in 2022, Lee transitioned to a singles competitor, quickly building a reputation as a fan-favorite performer. He achieved the North American Championship in October 2022, boasting a remarkable 269-day reign, which is the second-longest in the title’s history. Recently, Lee shifted his character to a more sinister persona and started a stable called High Ryze, yet his presence in the ring diminished.
Stevie Turner and Lance Anoa’i
Stevie Turner had been with WWE since 2021. She initially performed as a wrestler but shifted to an authority figure role after an injury in March 2023. Lance Anoa’i, part of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family, signed with WWE last year but did not make any on-screen appearances. He is related to prominent WWE figures, including Roman Reigns and The Usos.
Other Released Talents
The remaining released athletes participated in WWE LFG, a reality series designed to identify new talent. This show is a modern adaptation of Tough Enough, where aspiring wrestlers vie for contracts by impressing WWE legends. They also appeared on the weekly show Evolve on Tubi, which showcases upcoming wrestlers.
As WWE continues to shape its roster, it remains to be seen where these talents will land next. Wes Lee, in particular, is expected to draw attention from various wrestling promotions, potentially leading to collaborations with former partners.
