A WWE employee deleted a social media post addressing the release of one of many talents over the weekend.
Off the back of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, WWE released a total of 22 superstars across Raw, Smackdown and NXT.
These releases, which can included expiring contracts being renewed, has become an annual scenario following on from WWE's biggest show of the year.
This time around, the entire Wyatt Sicks faction - comprising of Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) have all been released, alongside the Motor City Machine Guns tag team.
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Zoey Stark, Apollo Crews, Zelina and Aleister Black are among the big names to be moved on, as is Santos Escobar, who had only recently re-signed with the company.
But another big shock in the cull was Japanese star Kairi Sane and her release brought plenty of reaction on social media - including from WWE's Jackie Redmond.
Redmond, who works as a backstage interviewer with WWE, got behind the 'Pirate Princess' by taking to X and tweeting the hashtag, "WeWantKairi" three times.
However, fans noticed that the post was later removed from the platform and is no longer on the 39-year-old's profile.
WWE has listened to fan and social media reactions in the past, notably bringing R-Truth back into the fold after significant backlash.
Full list of WWE stars released
- Kairi Sane
- Aleister Black
- Zelina
- Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas
- Nikki Cross
- Santos Escobar
- Motor City Machine Guns
- Dexter Lumis
- Apollo Crews
- Rowan
- Joe Gacy
- Andre Chase
- Zoey Stark
- Alba Fyre
- Tyra Mae Steele
- Sirena Linton
- Tyson
- Tyriek
- Chris Island
- Malik Blade
- Trill London
- Luca Crusifino
Typically, those released from the main roster are required to adhere to a 90-day no-compete clause, with those on NXT unable to work elsewhere for a 30-day period.
Zelina, who has been released before, said that she was informed via a phone call from TKO, the company which houses both the WWE and the UFC.
A number of superstars weighed on after the latest developments, with new WWE women's champion Rhea Ripley expressing her sadness and calling for those released to make a statement.
Taking to X, the Aussie wrote: “Today’s been a very sad day… Absolutely guttered for my friends and comrades. Worst time of the year. Go prove them all wrong!”
Ripley's friend Iyo Sky also posted an emotional statement where she paid tribute to compatriot Sane and admitted she has been left "heartbroken".
She wrote: "I understand that everyone, as an athlete, eventually faces a turning point when thinking about their life and career, but I feel so heartbroken that it came at such an unexpected time Kairi was truly loved by all her colleagues, not just as a performer but as a person.
"She was kinder than anyone, a little airheaded in the most endearing way, funny, charming, and my proud best friend.
"A comrade-in-arms who faced countless hardships in America, shed so many tears, and grew together with me.
"It's so hard to accept that Kairi won't be in the passenger seat of the rental car anymore, but...
"I’m absolutely certain that with her innate talent and the incredible knowledge and experience she’s gained in WWE, Kairi’s new journey will be something truly amazing.
"From the bottom of my heart, I wish for my beloved Kairi’s success and happiness. I love you so much Kairi. We’ll be best friends forever and always."
Sane, who has departed WWE for the second time said she was "truly grateful to have people like you by my side" and that she would "set sail… in my own time".
Topics: WWE
Josh Lawless