WWE have announced that six superstars have been released from their contracts. The news was announced on their website on June 2nd. The names are as follows:
- Braun Strowman
- Aleister Black
- Lana
- Ruby Riott
- Murphy
- Santana Garrett
The statement on the website also includes the standard released roster member message of wishing the stars the best in their future endeavours.
This has been the second major round of roster cuts in 2021. Earlier in the year, more stars were also released from their contracts, including Samoa Joe and The IIconics. Several released talent have taken to social media to show their reaction to the news:
What a chapter in life. Thank you!!!!!
— The Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) June 2, 2021
I will never forget the fans, and the love they showed me. Whether it was a tank, power-suits, flags, CRUSH, Rusev, 900 partners, weddings or tables: I tried to always entertain you, and you definitely elevated me. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/n7W5i5KAMI
— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) June 2, 2021
Many have been surprised by some of the names on this list. Braun Strowman was fighting for the WWE Championship at the most recent pay per view, WrestleMania Backlash. He has also been prominently featured on WWE TV over the past few months. On top of the WWE title matches, Braun faced Shane McMahon in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 37.
Another surprising name is Aleister Black. The former NXT Champion had been off TV for a number of months at the end of 2020 and the start of 2021. However, vignettes promoting Black’s return had been shown on SmackDown in the past few weeks. Following this, Aleister made his in-person return on the May 21st episode of SmackDown. Black has also stated on social media that he too was surprised by this news:
Im gathering my thoughts as this was a complete left field for me as obviously we just started the dark father character but this was it, thank you so much WWE universe for allowing me to create and give you small bits of myself.
— Malakai Black (@malakaiblxck) June 2, 2021
Now going by his independent wrestling name of Tommy End, the former Aleister Black also praised Paul Heyman for all of his help during the time spent in WWE.
Before I forget, a special mention goes to @HeymanHustle for always having my back, and to this day acts like a mentor to me. Since day one Paul was in my corner.
— Malakai Black (@malakaiblxck) June 3, 2021
All released talent have a 90 day no-compete clause in their contracts. This means that the start of September is the earliest that the 6 released superstars can appear for another promotion.
Featured image: Metro
