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Among the most surprising departures were those of Aleister Black, whose real name is Tom Budgen, and his real-life spouse, Thea Trinidad, known professionally as Zelina Vega. Vega publicly confirmed her release during a Twitch stream, providing immediate verification of the widespread rumors. Black, a Dutch professional wrestler, had been a regular fixture on the SmackDown brand, often positioned within the upper midcard echelon. His recent in-ring performances had indicated a potential ascent, with the star securing victories in his last three televised matches this year. These wins included a non-title triumph over the reigning United States Champion, Sami Zayn, a high-profile victory against WrestleMania 42 headliner Randy Orton, and a definitive win over Matt Cardona.
Black’s trajectory in WWE had been a complex one. His initial tenure with the company saw him achieve significant success as NXT Champion, where his striking ability and dark, enigmatic persona garnered a strong following. After a period on the main roster characterized by inconsistent booking and a eventual departure, Budgen transitioned to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the moniker Malakai Black, where he was a central figure in the House of Black faction and held the TNT Championship for a period. His return to WWE approximately one year prior to these releases, following his stint in AEW, was met with considerable anticipation. He swiftly re-established his presence, notably defeating Damian Priest in a Last Man Standing match in October of the preceding year. This victory, combined with his subsequent win streak, had led many industry observers to believe WWE was preparing for a more substantial push up the main roster ladder. However, this momentum seemingly failed to materialize into a long-term plan, culminating in his unexpected release. His departure marks the end of his second run with the promotion and leaves a void in the SmackDown roster’s hard-hitting contingent.
Zelina Vega, a dynamic performer known for both her in-ring skills and her managerial prowess, also departed the company. Throughout her WWE career, Vega demonstrated versatility, serving as a manager for various talents, including Andrade and her husband, Aleister Black. She also enjoyed success as an individual competitor, notably winning the inaugural Queen’s Crown tournament in 2021 and holding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Her confirmation of the releases provided the first concrete details amidst a wave of speculation.
The departures also included Kairi Sane, whose real name is Kaori Housako. Sane had been a prominent figure in an ongoing storyline involving her former Damage CTRL stablemates, Asuka and Iyo Sky, which had captivated audiences for several months. A highly decorated performer, Sane first joined WWE in 2017, winning the Mae Young Classic tournament and subsequently becoming the NXT Women’s Champion. She later formed the acclaimed tag team The Kabuki Warriors with Asuka, capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. After a period away from WWE, during which she returned to her native Japan and competed for World Wonder Ring Stardom, Sane made a much-anticipated return to the company in 2023. Upon her return, she reunited with Asuka and joined forces with Iyo Sky and Bayley as part of the Damage CTRL faction, which had been a dominant force in the women’s division. Her role in the internal dynamics and eventual fracturing of Damage CTRL had positioned her in a key creative spot, making her release particularly surprising given her recent narrative involvement.
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Perhaps the most impactful collective departure was that of The Wyatt Sicks faction, a group that had debuted in 2024 and functioned, in part, as a poignant tribute to the late WWE champion Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, who passed away in 2023. The group was led by Uncle Howdy, portrayed by Taylor Rotunda, Bray Wyatt’s real-life brother and formerly known as Bo Dallas. Other members included Nikki Cross (Nicola Glencross), Joe Gacy (Joseph Ruby), Erick Rowan (Joseph Ruud), and Dexter Lumis (Samuel Shaw). The Wyatt Sicks had swiftly established themselves as a unique and compelling presence on WWE programming, inheriting the dark, psychological narrative elements that characterized Bray Wyatt’s legacy. Gacy and Lumis, representing the faction, had recently held the WWE Tag Team Titles, a significant achievement that underscored the group’s immediate impact and creative investment. The faction had been engaged in a prolonged and intense feud with Solo Sikoa and the MFTs (Multi-Factional Threats, an offshoot of The Bloodline), a storyline that appeared to reach its conclusion in an eight-man tag team street fight on the preceding Friday. Their collective release brings an abrupt end to a storyline that had been deeply rooted in real-life tragedy and fan emotion, leaving many questions regarding the future of the unique creative space they occupied.
Nikki Cross, a versatile and long-tenured performer whose real name is Nicola Glencross, also confirmed her departure. Cross, known for her diverse character portrayals ranging from the unhinged member of SAnitY to her "Almost a Super Hero" persona and her most recent, more somber iteration, had been a consistent presence across NXT and the main roster. Her accolades include reigns as the Raw Women’s Champion and multiple Women’s Tag Team Championships. Following her release, Cross issued a heartfelt statement via social media, expressing gratitude for her time with the company. "Goodbye and thank you, WWE," Cross wrote. "I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold. Thank you all for the continued love and support. A special thank you to Robbie Brookside and William Regal for helping this dream come true. Thank you to the wrestlers, coaches, producers, and all the backstage crew who make all this possible. To the amazing girls in the locker room." Her statement highlighted the foundational role of developmental coaches like Robbie Brookside and William Regal in her journey, emphasizing the personal connections forged during her tenure.
In addition to these prominent names, professional wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp reported that Erick Rowan, another former member of The Wyatt Family and The Wyatt Sicks, and Dexter Lumis, known for his unique silent persona and his recent Tag Team Championship reign with Joe Gacy, were also among those released. The scope of these cuts suggests a broader strategic decision by WWE, potentially aimed at streamlining the roster, adjusting budget allocations, or initiating a significant creative overhaul following WrestleMania 42. Post-WrestleMania roster releases have become a recurring feature in WWE’s annual cycle, often signaling a period of internal reassessment and talent rebalancing.
The departure of such a diverse group of talents – ranging from established main roster competitors like Aleister Black and Kairi Sane to the uniquely conceptualized Wyatt Sicks faction, and seasoned performers like Zelina Vega and Nikki Cross – will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of WWE’s programming. These individuals now face the prospect of a standard 90-day non-compete clause for main roster talent, after which they will be free to explore opportunities with other promotions such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), or Total Nonstop Action (TNA), potentially igniting a new wave of talent acquisitions across the professional wrestling industry. The full impact of these releases on WWE’s future storylines and competitive balance remains to be seen, but they undeniably mark a significant turning point in the post-WrestleMania 42 era.
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