The reason behind the shocking release of ten WWE NXT stars has reportedly been revealed, along with who made the call to release them.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has reported the news of ten WWE releases today, including Dakota Kai and Dexter Lumis.
Departing WWE alongside Dakota Kai and Dexter Lumis are Malcom Bivens, Harland, Persia Pirotta, Sanjana George, Draco Anthony, Raelyn Divine, Mila Malan and Blair Baldwin.
Now, an update from Fightful Select has provided more information on the releases, including who made the call and the non-compete details.
John Laurinaitis made the cuts and cited budget cuts as the reason. The email internally read “Due to budgetary cuts, and with immediate effect as of today, 4/29/2022, we have come to the terms to release the following. Those cited have 30-day non compete clauses.
According to Fightful Select, Malcolm Bivens (now going by his previous name of Stokely Hathaway) was offered a new contract and made it clear that he didn’t want to re-sign. He initially did the same thing last year, but eventually re-signed when the idea of Diamond Mine was pitched to him as he’s been the mouthpiece for the group after not being used on television for two years. The latest offer of a new contract came in February, when he told the company he would not re-sign.
Fightful Select also notes that Dakota Kai is said to have seen her release from the company coming, and had also indicated to WWE that she did not plan to renew her contract.
The report also states that Harland, real name Parker Boudreaux, was signed to WWE after a lot of hype, but coaches and officials didn’t feel that he’d made enough in-ring progress at a fast enough rate.
According to the report, one NXT official contacted Fightful and expressed frustration that these releases will affect multiple storylines, acts, and angles with little to no notice or preparation.
Fightful Select has spoken to several of the released talents and notes that they seem to be in good spirits considering the circumstances.