Dana Brooke is choosing to remain positive after being released by WWE.
On September 21st, WWE stepped up its cost-cutting measures by releasing a number of main roster and NXT stars. Following the initial wave of releases that included Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, and Emma, it was confirmed Dana Brooke had also been released alongside stars such as Maximum Male Models and other NXT names.
The releases reportedly caused frustration backstage as they began just hours after WWE announced a monster new TV deal with the USA Network for SmackDown worth around $1.4 billion.
Now that the dust has settled on the releases, Dan Brooke has addressed fans on social media. In the emotional post, Brooke said that wrestling and WWE had saved her life.
“I have tried to wrap my head around this & have written so much and deleted it so many times be no words seem to fit… so here it goes-WWE (wrestling) has been my Fairytale, my true-love relationship. I started this 1st chapter of my Fairytale 10 years ago & I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This world was all very brand new to me and I was leaving things that I was very comfortable with. I questioned myself a lot thinking am I doing the right thing, will I even be good at this, & will I regret everything I am leaving behind?
“My answer to those questions quickly became a NOOOO! I fell those questions quickly became a NOOOO! I fell in love with WWE.. I fell in love with wrestling, my family away from home, and every single time I went out there to perform. I called it my drug of choice, there was no bigger rush or high in this world than performing in front of the WWE UNIVERSE & fans all around the world, it was electrifying!!
With that being said, there were always moments where I wasn’t happy with my performance or was missing my family & long lonely nights on the road. Just like a relationship, you have the best of times and the worst of times. As years went forward THIS BUSINESS BECAME ME… I gave it my everything, it was my BECAME ME… I gave it my everything, it was my priority & my true LOVE!!! Just like a fairytale, things happen and your world comes crashing down.
“That happened in 2017 when a tragedy happen & I lost a loved one [Brooke’s boyfriend at the time Dallas McCarver died aged 26.] I had two directions I could take- either bury myself in a deep hole of depression or rise to the top, & l always and will forever say WWE (WRESTLING) saved my life! It was all I ever had… my co-workers & fans were all I ever knew for so many years and turning to wrestling was my escape! I knew I could only push forward and never look back.
“6 years later, I have accomplished so much & met so many amazing people & have strived to become better in every aspect of wrestling. This isn’t THE END… this is moving forward to the next chapter of my fairytale.. a rocky patch In my relationship named WRESTLING- but I promise YOU ALL, I WILL KEEP GOING.. I will never let you down.. I LOVE YOU ALL… the fairytale continues.”
How Long Was Dana Brooke With WWE?
After a short career in fitness and bodybuilding, Dana Brooke signed with WWE in the summer of 2013.
Brooke initially featured in NXT before moving to Monday Night Raw three years later. After bouncing between the red brand and SmackDown, Brooke returned to NXT in June 2023, wrestling regularly with the brand.
At the time of her release, Brooke was a 15-time 24/7 Champion.