Wrestling fans had their abacuses out following the releases made by WWE to their roster on the 2nd of June as speculation mounts as to what the six released stars’ next moves might be.
Former WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman was released from his WWE contract along with former NXT Champion and recent SmackDown stand-out Aleister Black. Lana who appeared at WrestleMania was also let go along with Ruby Riott, Buddy Murphy, and NXT star Santana Garrett.
As long-time wrestling fans are only too aware being released by WWE comes with a standard ninety-day non-compete clause. This is different than if a contract simply expires as it did in the case of Jon Moxley. His WWE contract and with it the persona of Dean Ambrose expired on the 30th of April 2019. Less than a month later on May 25th Moxley shocked the wrestling world by debuting on the inaugural Double Or Nothing event for All Elite Wrestling.
Many fans were quick to point out that ninety days from the release date for those let go on the 2nd of June would be the 31st of August. Notwithstanding any contract stipulations that are unknown at this time, that date got wrestling fans salivating as AEW just announced that their All Out pay-per-view is scheduled for the tantalising date of the 5th of September.
Whether any of the released WWE Superstars become All Elite is a matter for debate but IMPACT Wrestling has certainly made the most of rumours swirling around former WWE stars and what their next move will be. Their trailer for the upcoming Slammiversary pay-per-view in July featured snippets of stars released by WWE way back on the 15th of April. Slammiversary takes place on July 17th so it is feasible that former IMPACT stars Samoa Joe or Mickie James could return at that event.
For wrestling fans, the rumour, innuendo, and speculation continues.