The annual post-WrestleMania cuts see notable departures, including Nikki Cross and Dante Chen.
Category: Sports
The annual WWE releases have begun, with several notable names departing the organization, including members of The Wyatt Sicks. On April 24, 2026, the company confirmed the release of Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, and Joe Gacy, all of whom were well-known figures within the wrestling faction.
Nikki Cross took to social media to announce her departure, expressing gratitude for her time with WWE. "Goodbye and thank you, WWE! I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold. Thank you all for the continued love and support," she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Cross also extended her appreciation to various individuals within the organization, including Robbie Brookside and William Regal, for helping her achieve her dreams.
In addition to Cross, Alba Fyre and Zoey Stark were also released, with Stark's departure notable as she was recovering from a severe injury at the time. Andre Chase and Dante Chen were confirmed as part of this round of cuts as well. Chen, who made his WWE television debut on September 22, 2021, expressed his own heartfelt farewell, thanking the company and its fans for their support.
Chen, 30, noted in his farewell message that he was proud to be the first Singaporean-born WWE Superstar and hoped to inspire others. His last match was on March 13, 2026, at an NXT House Show, where he secured a victory against Harley Riggins. He had previously competed on the main roster against Bron Breakker on February 16, 2024, during an episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
As of April 24, 2026, the total number of WWE releases has reached 24, with additional names including Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, and the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin), as well as Apollo Crews. This wave of cuts comes shortly after WrestleMania and ahead of an upcoming European tour, a time when WWE typically reassesses its roster.
The Wyatt Sicks, a faction originally led by Bray Wyatt, saw several transformations over the years, with members coming and going. The recent releases mark a notable shift for the group, which had been re-established in recent years with new members like Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis. Rowan returned to WWE in 2024, having been a part of the original Wyatt Family. Lumis, who had a successful stint alongside Joe Gacy as WWE Tag Team Champions, was one of the last remaining members of the faction.
WWE's annual talent cuts often create a stir among fans and industry observers, as they signal shifts in the company's direction and priorities. The timing of these releases, following WrestleMania, is not unusual; it allows WWE to refresh its roster before embarking on new storylines and tours. The impact of these decisions reverberates throughout the wrestling community, affecting the released talents and the dynamics within the locker room.
For many of the released performers, including Nikki Cross and Dante Chen, this marks the end of a chapter in their careers. Cross had been a prominent figure in WWE, known for her dynamic in-ring style and engaging personality. Chen, who made history as the first Singaporean-born WWE Superstar, had aspirations of paving the way for future talents from his home country.
The future for these released talents remains uncertain, but many have expressed optimism about new opportunities. Nikki Cross's heartfelt farewell suggests she is ahead to exploring new paths in her wrestling career. Similarly, Dante Chen's message reflects a sense of pride and hope for the future, indicating that he plans to continue his career in wrestling.
With the wrestling industry constantly in flux, many of the released stars may find new homes in other promotions. Chen, who had signed with the EVOLVE brand in June 2025, could potentially return to that organization or explore other options in the wrestling world. The competitive nature of the industry means that talent often finds a way to thrive, regardless of setbacks.
As WWE prepares for its European tour, the company will likely be looking to fill gaps left by these departures. The upcoming months may see new signings and the introduction of fresh talent to the roster. Fans can expect to see how these changes will influence WWE's programming and storylines moving forward.
The recent wave of releases serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of professional wrestling, where the fortunes of performers can shift rapidly. As the wrestling community processes these changes, the focus will undoubtedly turn to the next steps for both the released stars and WWE itself.
With the wrestling world constantly changing, the next few weeks will be telling for both the released talents and WWE's future direction. As of now, all eyes remain on the upcoming events, including the anticipated European tour, where WWE will showcase its remaining talent and possibly introduce new faces to the audience.