A new report has given some insight into the backstage reaction to the stunning WWE releases of several high-profile stars, with the reason behind them being revealed in a leaked email to talent.
In the sixth wave of WWE releases of 2021, eight main roster stars were let go from the company. Among them were John Morrison, Tegan Nox and all three members of Hit Row, just two weeks after B-Fab was released shortly after the group’s main roster debut on SmackDown.
The eight stars who were released on November 18th were as follows:
- John Morrison
- Top Dolla
- Ashante Adonis
- Isiah ‘Swerve’ Scott
- Tegan Nox
- Drake Maverick
- Shane Thorne
- Jaxson Ryker
In a new report from Mat Men Podcast’s Andrew Zarian, a WWE source revealed that many in the company felt “blindsided” by this particular round of releases.
Later, Wrestling Inc released their own report which included the following email which was sent to WWE talent, citing the reason behind the releases to be budget cuts:
“Due to budgetary cuts the following WWE talent were released today, November 18, 2021. John Morrison, Top Dolla, Ashante Adonis, Isaiah Swerve Scott, Tegan Nox, Drake Maverick, Shane Thorne, and Jaxson Ryker.
Thank you,
John Laurinaitis”
This latest round of releases brings the number of WWE stars released in 2021 to an astonishing total of 80. Among the biggest names to be cut this year include Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Nia Jax, Mickie James, Andrade and Aleister Black – all of whom captured gold during their time with the promotion.
Inside The Ropes will continue to update this story as it develops.