When WWE’s merger with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings became official, it resulted in a reduction in the workforce of those who work behind the scenes at WWE. The layoffs at the time did not include talent, but on Thursday morning, that changed with several confirmed departures from the company.
Mustafa Ali was the first to reveal on X that WWE released him, which sparked questions due to his consistent presence on NXT, as he had been scheduled to wrestle Dominik Mysterio for the North American Championship at No Mercy on Sept. 30. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp then reported that talent cuts would take place today, suggesting that Ali’s departure was linked to this.
Emma announced her departure from WWE. Hours before, she tweeted her excitement about WWE going to Perth, Australia for the Elimination Chamber premium live event. The Melbourne native, who was in her second stint with the company, had last wrestled on the July 10 episode of Raw against Shayna Baszler.
Fightful confirmed that WWE released Rick Boogs, who last wrestled on television at SummerSlam in a battle royale.
Aaliyah announced her departure from WWE. Her last match happened on the Sept. 12, 2022, episode of Raw when she and Raquel Rodriguez lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship to Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
Fightful reported that WWE released Elias, who had been off television most of this year. His last match came at the May 15 episode of Raw.
Fightful confirmed the WWE departure of Riddick Moss. The former football player most recently wrestled at the Sept. 11 Main Event taping.
Fightful also announced that WWE released Top Dolla of Hit Row. He last wrestled on television on the Aug. 11 episode of SmackDown in a loss to LA Knight.
WWE released Shelton Benjamin, according to Fightful. He had been in his second stint with the company.
Fightful confirmed the departure of former World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, another long-tenured star.
This afternoon, Fightful also reported an additional round of releases, including Dana Brooke, Mace and Mansoor of Maximum Male Models and Shanky.
Mansoor had perhaps the best post of the day expressing his availability for new work.
My time at WWE has come to an end, but my career is just beginning. Thank you all! Excited to get back to work.
Please contact mansoorbooking@gmail.com for all booking inquiries starting Dec 20. pic.twitter.com/8buaGSaR3S
— Mansoor (@suavemansoor) September 21, 2023
We will update this post if more talent confirm their departure from WWE.