Despite cryptic social media posts from some WWE stars suggesting they were safe, several wrestlers were reportedly released on Friday before "WWE SmackDown," according to Fightful Select. Internal company memos confirmed the releases of Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Dakota Kai, Braun Strowman, and Shayna Baszler. Kai, who recently deleted an X post expressing her longing to wrestle and connect with fans while clarifying she wasn’t injured, was among those let go. Strowman, recently involved in a storyline with new United States Champion Jacob Fatu, had his last match on the April 18 "SmackDown," teaming with LA Knight against Fatu and Solo Sikoa.
Carter and Chance last appeared in a Women’s Tag Team Championship number one contender’s gauntlet match on the April 11 "SmackDown." Baszler, underutilized on WWE TV since the February release of Pure Fusion Collective’s Sonya Deville, competed in the same gauntlet match alongside tag partner Zoë Stark. Her most recent appearance was at Bloodsport during WrestleMania weekend.
No details were provided on potential further releases. The previous round of WWE talent cuts occurred in February, with releases of Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, Authors of Pain, Paul Ellering, and Cedric Alexander announced during and after that month’s "SmackDown.".......Read More