WWE | 2026 POST-WRESTLEMANIA CUTS

One of the toughest things to brace for after WrestleMania isn’t just the comedown from the spectacle—it’s the inevitable wave of roster cuts. In a way, it’s become just as expected as the five-star matches and the buzz around the first episodes of WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown post-Mania.

On Raw, we saw Ethan Page, Sol Ruca, and Joe Hendry make the jump to the main roster. Over on SmackDown, Ricky Saints got elevated alongside Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid. Even before that, names like Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, Kiana James, and Je'Von Evans had already made their way up. Then there’s the return of Matt Cardona.

That said, not everyone is thriving. Giulia and James may have had their moments—titles and small pushes—but it still feels like they’re being held back. The same goes for Tama Tonga, JC Mateo, and Tala Tonga, who seem stuck in the never-ending Wyatt Sicks storyline or in the never-ending Bloodline feud.

It might sound harsh, but sometimes these cuts are necessary. It’s honestly better to see talent flourish elsewhere than sit idle backstage. Take Apollo Crews, for example. He’s been with WWE since 2014 and is now 38, yet real progression has been hard to come by outside of that African gimmick years ago. A reset could do wonders for him.

WRESTLER	YOB	CONTRACT START	LAST PPV	LAST 5	LAST TV
ERICK ROWAN	1981	2023 | SECOND STINT	2020 | SUPER SHOWDOWN	WWWWL	SD | 041726
CHRIS SABIN	1982	2024 | FIRST STINT	2025 | SUMMERSLAM	WLWWL	SD | 041726
ALEX SHELLEY	1983	2024 | SECOND STINT	2025 | SUMMERSLAM	WLWWL	SD | 041726
DEXTER LUMIS	1984	2022 | SECOND STINT	2025 | CLASH IN PARIS	LWWLL	SD | 041726
SANTOS ESCOBAR	1984	2019 | FIRST STINT	2025 | ROYAL RUMBLE	LLWWL	AAA | 031426
ALEISTER BLACK	1985	2025 | SECOND STINT	2020 | MONEY IN THE BANK	LWWWL	SD | 041726
JOE GACY	1987	2020 | FIRST STINT	2025 | CLASH IN PARIS	LWWLL	SD | 041726
APOLLO CREWS	1987	2014 | FIRST STINT	2023 | SUMMERSLAM	LWWLL	SD | 041726
KAIRI SANE	1988	2023 | SECOND STINT	2026 | ROYAL RUMBLE	LLLWL	RAW | 042026
NIKKI CROSS	1989	2016 | FIRST STINT	2023 | ELIMINATION CHAMBER	WWWWW	RAW | 090924
BO DALLAS / UNCLE HOWDY	1990	2022 | SECOND STINT	2019 | CROWN JEWEL	WWWWL	SD | 041726
ZELINA VEGA	1990	2021 | SECOND STINT	2026 | ROYAL RUMBLE	LWLLL	SD | 021326
ALBA FYRE	1992	2019 | FIRST CONTRACT	2024 | BASH IN BERLIN	WWLLL	SD | 030626
ZOEY STARK	1994	2021 | FIRST STINT	2025 | ROYAL RUMBLE	LLLWL	RAW | 051925

I also can’t help but feel disappointed with how the Motor City Machine Guns were handled. Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley got the titles early, but never quite found their way back to the top. At this stage, a return to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling feels like a strong possibility—maybe even the right move to close out their careers on their own terms.

The release of Aleister Black is honestly mind-numbing, especially since he had just returned. It puts him in a similar spot to guys like Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura—established names with undeniable presence, but somehow stuck in creative limbo.

That said, there are still strong landing spots for him. A move to TNA could instantly position him as a top-tier player in a division that needs more star power. On the other hand, a return to All Elite Wrestling opens the door to something fans already know works—reuniting with the House of Black and rebuilding that aura he once had.

The same can be said for Zelina Vega. She’s one of those talents who can easily pivot depending on the situation. Pair her back with Aleister Black, and you instantly get an effective heel act—her mic skills and presence perfectly complement that dark, brooding aura.

At the same time, she has the tools to thrive on her own. A move to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling could showcase her as a fiery babyface, especially with that “pocket-rocket” offense that makes her stand out against bigger opponents.

As for Santos Escobar, it’s kind of surprising to realize he’s already in his 40s. He just signed a new deal, too, which makes his current usage feel a bit off—especially if it mainly leads to appearances in AAA. For someone with his pedigree and character work, you’d expect a more consistent and meaningful role on the main stage.

As for Alba Fyre, with Chelsea Green and Piper Niven sidelined, she could benefit from a fresh direction. Personally, I’d lean toward TNA over All Elite Wrestling in her case.

On the flip side, Zoey Stark feels like a natural fit for AEW. She’s one of the younger names and brings that powerhouse presence AEW’s women’s division could really use. The same goes for Crews if he revisits his Uhaa Nation roots.

At the end of the day, losing a spot on the roster is never easy—but in this business, it can also be the start of something better somewhere else.

OTHERS

• Andre Chase

• Dante Chen

• Tyra Mae Steele

• Chris Island

• Tyriek Igwe

• Trill London

• Sirena Linton

• Luca Crusifino

• Malik Blade

• Tyson Dupont