WWE released an incorrect headline type on Thursday and released 10 fighters. This list included Samoa Joe, who recently joined the WrestleMania 37 broadcast team, as well as rising stars Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, formerly known together as The Ilconics.
The release of Samoa Joe is especially baffling. On Monday, he was listed internally as an active WWE talent, but obviously that changed drastically in a matter of days. Chelsea Green, who looked to have a bright future in the WWE, was also an amazing pitcher. Others who were cut included Mickie James, Kalisto, Tucker, Bo Dallas and Wesley Blake.
As discouraging as talent can be released, this is a group that was heavily underused. Now everyone has a chance to rewrite their script. Royce, Kay, James and Green would make major contributions to AEW, Impact Wrestling or NWA, as well as generating animations on the indie circuit, which is still struggling amid the pandemic. And in addition to the global platform offered by the WWE, these artists now have the opportunity to evolve in a different way, far removed from the restrictions and limitations of a company so forced by its shareholders.
And even though the WWE is a commercial success WrestleMania, and continues to produce massive profits, these cuts are another cold reminder that the bottom line is managed by Vince McMahon’s company.
Other notes from inside the WWE
- WWE sources claim that there has been universal praise for the work of Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair in their match at WrestleMania 37. It was only a few weeks ago that Reginald was backed on his show, but the decision was finally made to allow that Banks and Belair had the time of and the result was spectacular.
Internally, Banks and Belair is the WWE’s greatest narrative, with the work of universal champion Roman Reigns in second place. - After the success of last weekend WrestleMania, held in front of a live crowd at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the WWE returned to the ThunderDome on Monday, performing in front of a virtual crowd. WWE sources have been confirmed a Sports Illustrated that the plan is to maintain SummerSlam in front of a live crowd.
- Sports Illustrated has confirmed that Sasha Banks is scheduled to be on Friday night Slap, facing Bianca Belair.
- Aleister Black was among the talented hotel guests WrestleMania 37 in Tampa. As reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, WWE is in the process of filming cartoons connected to Black’s return to the screen.
- Pat McAfee is the newest member of the Slap dissemination equipment. The timing of the announcement has nothing to do with the previous day’s cuts.
This platform is an opportunity that McAfee has been looking for for a long time. And while the world of wrestling, especially the WWE, is always subject to change, the current plan is to let McAfee be on the air itself and avoid over-producing it. He will also continue to work on his other projects, including his podcast, while working as one of the lead voices on Slap.