WWE has once again made sweeping roster cuts following WrestleMania season, releasing a wave of talent from the main roster, NXT, and developmental brands. Among the biggest names reportedly let go are former Women’s Tag Team Champion Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega, leaving fans stunned just days after the WrestleMania 42 celebrations.

While post-WrestleMania layoffs have become an annual tradition as WWE reshapes its roster, this year’s cuts were particularly surprising given the involvement of several active stars and established names. In total, 22 superstars were reportedly released, and the full list includes some major departures across every level of the company.

Following the buzz surrounding WrestleMania 42, WWE quietly began trimming its roster in a major post-event shake-up. Several stars from SmackDown, RAW, NXT, and developmental programs were informed of their releases, with names like Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Motor City Machine Guns, and Zelina Vega leading the list. The move is reportedly part of WWE’s yearly restructuring process as the company prepares for incoming NXT call-ups and adjusts creative plans heading into the rest of the year. 

The reported list of WWE releases includes:

Randy Orton Vows to “Fix” His Legacy Aganist Cody Rhodes at 'WrestleMania 42'

With so many departures announced in one sweep, attention now shifts to WWE’s biggest event of the year, where an already stacked WrestleMania 42 lineup is set to deliver blockbuster moments on the grandest stage.

Despite the surprise roster cuts, WWE WrestleMania 42 was built around an explosive card filled with marquee title clashes and dream encounters. Major names like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton collided for the Undisputed WWE Championship, while CM Punk faced Roman Reigns in what became one of the most highly anticipated World Heavyweight Championship matches in recent history. On the women’s side, Stephanie Vaquer went up against Liv Morgan, while Jade Cargill battled Rhea Ripley, adding even more star power to the lineup.

The card only grew bigger from there. AJ Lee made her dream comeback against Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, while a chaotic Fatal-4-Way Tag Team title match brought unpredictability to the event. Brock Lesnar also made his presence felt, adding to the spectacle, while John Cena hosted the show and brought his veteran charisma to WWE’s biggest weekend. With blockbuster matches across the board, WrestleMania 42 delivered one of the most memorable premium live events in recent memory.

WWE’s latest round of roster cuts may have shocked fans, but the company appears focused on reshaping its future while presenting one of the most loaded WrestleMania cards in years. As released stars prepare for their next chapter, the spotlight now turns to WrestleMania 42 and the moments that could redefine WWE heading into the rest of the year.

Is 'WrestleMania' on Netflix USA? How Can You Watch It for Free?

Which of the 22 released WWE superstars shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!