There were some warning signs the other day that talent might be getting released. One of the executives for creative recently got released along with a few others. However, a few superstars posted hints that they might be done with the WWE. As of now, there are a few names that quite frankly to me do not surprise me.
- Braun Strowman – Some people are surprised by this considering he already had been released previously as well as being used to get over Jacob Fatu in their feud. I wrote during their feud that this guy wasn’t good because he doesn’t move well and basically reminded of the WWE equivalent of Brian Cage. Not that Braun tries to be a (bad) luchadore with a body like Cage, but that he does things that I think don’t work well for his size and range. I can see a guy like this in TNA sooner than later though as he would fit that mold and probably become a top talent quickly.
- Shayna Baszler – Don’t think she was ever able to get over. There were rumors of a shoot style four horsewoman stable with Ronda Rousey leading it but that probably fell apart quickly once Rousey was out. I’m guessing that Shayna will probably do more bloodsport type of matches. I think like Marina Shafir, Shayna’s issue might be that she had a hard time transitioning her mind to the idea of working which is why the WWE was not a good fit for her.
- Dakota Kai – In my opinion, she had too many injuries and everyone else passed her by. Her matches weren’t good at all and she seemed like she ready to physically fall apart because she’s too skinny. She might do okay in AEW because she is experienced and she would be a fresh face. But she’s in her mid 30s and hasn’t really lit the wrestling world on fire. So she really needs to find herself soon or devote herself to streaming.
- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance – I believe this is a tag team. Honestly, I didn’t see anything worth keeping. Some people on reddit are trying to defend them but they seem more like gymnasts than wrestlers, which means they’ll probably end up in AEW. But I wouldn’t build a tag team division around them based on what I’ve seen.
- Cora Jade – I just read about her. Kinda sad given the story with her and Punk (and Roxanne). It’s strange too because they sent her over to TNA. Well, I’m guessing that’s where she might actually show up for continuity.
- Gigi Dolin – I’ve seen her name but I have no idea whom she is. That tells you something.
- Eddy Thorpe – See above
- Riley Osborne – See above but not confirmed
I might come across as being harsh but considering how long some of these people were with the WWE and weren’t over or just got worse, were plagued by injuries and/or diminished over time, it’s not surprising to see. In fact, most of these people probably need a fresh environment to jump start their careers or find a different occupation. I’m not against releases since the WWE is doing this world dominance thing where they’re buying up, partnering and locking down markets. So when talent gets released, it is a good opportunity for non-WWE promotions to pick them up just to get a change of their roster. Whether those promotions actually make better use of these people remains to be seen.
That said, there were potential rumblings of a few other talents that may get released soon. Here’s some of my thoughts:
- Austin Theory – Apparently, he’s one that put out one of those bizarre social media statements. Once Vince was out, Austin’s push pretty much died. I have a feeling he might’ve rubbed some people in the back the wrong way. On top of that, he might not be one of HHH nor HBK’s guys so there’s a high likelihood he’ll be out. Some people think he’d be a great pick for AEW because he could have a killer feud against MJF. I suppose that would work as long as MJF isn’t in the current angle with the Hurt Syndicate.
- B-Fab – Not confirmed but based on how was previously released by the prior regime and how her matches still stink, I can’t see her sticking around for long.
- Shotzi – This is another one of those social media posts statement types. She had been dealing with an injury last I checked but I just don’t think she was anything life changing from what I’d seen.
- Zoey Stark – Too generic for my taste. I figure if Shayna got canned someone like Zoey ain’t far behind.
Two big names that eventually should get released, but I’m guessing won’t due to certain fears in management are:
- Charlotte Flair – Outside of a feud with Jade Cargill, Charlotte has done it all. Now, she supposedly wants to be more of Ashley than Charlotte. Well, I got a great idea for you. Go to AEW and light that division on fire as Ashley. Charlotte is someone I would build an entire division around but it can’t be from within the WWE right now.
- Brock Lesnar – Too old, overpaid and controversial. I don’t know why the WWE wants to keep him around at this point. It’s gotta be costing them. Nothing against Brock personally but what else can he do to be used in a meaningful manner at this stage of his career? I would love seeing him destroy Moxley in under a second in AEW but beyond that, I can’t see him doing anything else meaningful. And I wouldn’t build a promotion around him at this stage. 15 years ago maybe.
I can’t comment too much on NXT because I only watch clips when Ricky Saints is on. Beyond him, I don’t enjoy NXT especially with Ava hanging around. Otherwise, this might be a good thing for AEW just because they might find a few of these stragglers being quite useful.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.