A few weeks ago, several WWE NXT superstars were cut from their deals with the promotion, with several trainees being let go. The WWE Performance Center was closed on Friday, with talent being made aware that cuts were coming prior.
There was some confusion regarding the NXT Next Gen recruits that were let go from their deals. Fightful Select was able to confirm that the recruits’ deals with the promotion began following the taping of the show, but were not allowed to announce their signings till the show aired a few weeks ago. This was highlighted by Julian Baldi on social media following his release.
With regard to some of the TV names that were released, Valentina Feroz and Boa have both struggled with injuries in recent months, with the NXT talent we spoke to expressing that the two talents didn’t get consistent shots to show what they were capable of due to said injuries.
Trey Bearhill was a release that surprised several that we spoke to in NXT, ranging from talent to production and other roles within the brand. Those that we spoke to dismissed the idea Bearhill was released due to his similarities with fellow Native American Eddy Thorpe.
Gable Steveson’s release didn’t surprise several of those within NXT we spoke to, with one talent pointing to the difference in development from Steveson’s brother Damon Kemp and the Olympian. Those that we spoke to were of the belief it was a lack of progression and not his previous trouble with the law that factored into his WWE release.
As we’ve previously reported, Drew Gulak has not been released, nor has his WWE contract expired as of this writing. Gulak was notified his contract would not be picked up when it expires.
Fightful Select were also told by several sources that it was “no accident” that the releases took place during SmackDown.
