Wrestling World Reacts To Recent NXT Releases
The wrestling world is still reeling from news of multiple releases made by WWE on the NXT brand with some of the stars affected reacting to the news.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful notes that a number of Superstars which includes former NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed, Bobby Fish and Mercedes Martinez have reportedly been let go.
Bronson Reed had become something of a fixture on the black and gold brand, winning the NXT North American Championship from Johnny Gargano back in May. The Aussie had been tipped to debut on the main roster after appearing backstage at numerous RAW and SmackDown tapings. Reed defeated Robert Roode in a dark match at a SmackDown taping in June, while also defeating Drew Gulak on Main Event.
Meanwhile, Mercedes Martinez challenged for the NXT Women’s Championship as recently as May 11th. However, Martinez hasn’t been seen on WWE television since suffering a concussion during a mixed tag team match on June 29th.
The match saw Martinez team with Jake Atlas against the team of Tian Sha’s Xia Li and Boa. Martinez was distracted by Tian Sha’s mysterious leader Mei Ying who was watching the action from the entranceway. That allowed Li to take control and sent Martinez back into the ring. Xia Li then connected with a Suplex before nailing Mercedes Martinez with a spin kick that appeared to knock her out cold.
Atlas took to social media with a message for fans:
“I’ve always been famous. It’s just no one knew it yet.” ✨
— 𝗝𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗦 (@JakeAtlas_) August 7, 2021
Ari Sterling shared a video making light of the unfortunate timing of his release. Sterling competed on 205 Live in a pre-taped match that aired on the night his release was announced.
— Alex Zayne (@AriSterlingWWE) August 7, 2021
— ? (@KonaReevesWWE) August 7, 2021
Life is tough, but it’s about time I got some adversity to see what I’m made of. What a way to start the weekend. Thank you @TripleH and @WWENXT for the opportunity. There’s power in the name and with a name like Denzel Dejournette I can’t and won’t lose! ✌🏾
— Denzel Dejournette (@DesmondTroyWWE) August 7, 2021
Mojo Rawley who was released himself from WWE in April 2020 amongst the first roster cuts after the pandemic hit sent out some words of encouragement to those let go.
Really sorry to see this. Times are really tough right now, but for the released talent, this can be a blessing in disguise.
Don’t let this be your end, this should be your beginning.
Get hyped! The world is now your oyster! https://t.co/nNiAMxI6CI
— Dean Muhtadi (@MojoMuhtadi) August 7, 2021
Further to these releases, there have also been reports that NXT itself is getting ready for a major overhaul.