WWE Talent Cuts 2025: List of released wrestlers - Part 1

WWE's list of released wrestlers is reported by Fightful Select and it is that time of the year when the fans are handed pain due to some major announcement. The first set of names who are likely to be released by WWE are out and some of them were on the verge of making a name for themselves. Unfortunately, due to various reasons like lack of plans, failure to encash on the opportunity, and others ensured their release.

Also Read: 5 WWE wrestlers with most wins in Men's Elimination Chamber history

WWE is likely to recruit more wrestlers in the days to come as they would want to prefer wrestlers with better skills and talent to offer. While the ones who are likely to be released were talented themselves, there is always room to get better wrestlers onboard. The Stamford-based company might have made big decisions that could impact the careers of some wrestlers.

List of released WWE wrestlers 2025

5. Cedric Alexander

Cedric Alexander was one of the integral parts of The Hurt Business. After the release of Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin, the creative team had no plans for Cedric. The star wrestler was sent to NXT where he joined Adonis and faced some of the top talents like Ethan Page.

Cedric confirmed the end of his WWE career which lasted over 8 years with a social media post. "Thank you for the last 8 1/2 years! Being a professional wrestler has been a dream of mine since I could form memories and I will continue to do so till the good Lord says otherwise," wrote Cedric on X.

4. Paul Ellering

Paul Ellering was one of the members of the faction 'The Final Testament'. He worked with Authors of Pain in NXT in 2023 which was received well by the fans. It helped them to get a main roster call-up the same year. However, due to a lack of creative plans, they did not get enough screen time.

Earlier in 2024, Ellering and AOP were paired with Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux to form 'The Final Testament'. However, only Kross and his wife were able to make a bit of an impact from the faction which led to the release of Ellering from the company.

3. Blair Davenport

Blair Davenport was one of the emerging talents from NXT who got a surprising main roster call-up during the WWE Drafts 2024. Blair was called up for Smackdown where she turned heel and took on some of the best wrestlers on the roster like Naomi, Bayley, and so on.

However, her appearances got shorter in the last few months due to a lack of creative plans. It was reported that the Stamford-based company had no plans for the wrestler from New Zealand which led to her potential release in 2025.

2. Authors of Pain

Authors of Pain were released along with Ellering from WWE. Much like Paul, they could not make a huge impact despite having a huge potential. A part of it had to do with improper booking from the creative team. AOP could not get connected to the fans with their character.

The tag team duo along with Paul had a better appeal in NXT than on the main roster. Hence, they even tried to have brief appearances on the developmental brand in 2024. However, due to no clarity over their roles, the mighty duo was released by WWE.

1. Sonya Deville

Sonya Deville's release might be a bit shocking as she was chosen as the Head of the latest faction 'Pure Fusion Collective'. Sonya returned to the company a few months ago and did not have a lot of impact. She was paired with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark in the Raw faction.

The PFC went back and forth against the Damage Control and other factions. However, they could not get a good response from the fans. Sonya's contract is reportedly set to end soon and WWE is not interested to renew or extend it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which WWE wrestlers will be released in 2025?

Sonya Deville, Blair Davenport, Authors of Pain, Paul Ellering, and Cedric Alexander are reported to be released from WWE in 2025.

2. How many WWE Raw Superstars will be released in 2025? 

From WWE Raw, The Final Testament's Paul Ellering, Authors of Pain, and Pure Fusion Collective's Sonya Deville are likely to be released from WWE in 2025.

3. What's the future of 'The Final Testament' in WWE?

The Final Testament is likely to be broken to give Karrion Kross a singles run in WWE from 2025.

4. Has Sonya Deville's contract with WWE ended?

Sonya Deville's contract is nearing its end and WWE has reportedly decided not to renew/extend it.

5. Will Karrion Kross have a singles career in WWE?

Karrion Kross is likely to have a singles career with his wife Scarlett Bordeaux as his partner.