WWE has announced significant changes to its roster, with several high-profile talents being released. Among those let go are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, and the entire Wyatt Sicks faction. The cuts came just days after WrestleMania and hours before the SmackDown episode, marking a major shift in the company’s talent strategy across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
A total of 22 wrestlers were released, including Kairi Sane, all five members of the Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and his wife Zelina Vega. Other names on the list include the Motor City Machine Guns, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, Apollo Crews, and Santos Escobar, who had recently been rehired.
The Wyatt Sicks, a group that paid tribute to the late Bray Wyatt, consisted of Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, and Bo Dallas (also known as Uncle Howdy). The faction was an integral part of WWE’s storytelling, particularly in their rivalry with Solo Sikoa and the MFT group. However, the entire group has now been released.
Zoey Stark, who has been out of action for months due to injury, was recently cleared to return, according to Fightful. Meanwhile, Starks was seen at the media junket in Las Vegas, where she was joined by other released talents like Alba Fyre, Zelina Vega, and Aleister Black.
For NXT talent, the release period is shorter, lasting 30 days. Wrestlers such as Malik Blade, Andre Chase, Dante Chen, Luca Crusifino, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, and Olympian Tayra Mae Steel were among those let go.
The Wyatt Sicks were created to honor Bray Wyatt’s legacy, with his brother Bo Dallas joining the faction in 2022 as the enigmatic Uncle Howdy. The group had been involved in a long-standing feud with Solo Sikoa and the MFT, culminating in a chaotic Street Fight on April 17 to kick off WrestleMania weekend.
Alba Fyre has not been as active lately, with her allies Piper Niven and Chelsea Green also sidelined due to injuries. However, she made an appearance at the media event in Las Vegas, where she chatted with the press. Fyre, who signed with WWE in January 2019, moved through NXT UK, NXT, and eventually SmackDown over the years.
Some of the released talents, such as the Motor City Machine Guns, Zelina Vega, Aleister Black, and Santos Escobar, had been brought back or signed within the last 18 months, adding to the surprise surrounding the cuts.
Full List of WWE Superstar Releases in April 2026
- Kairi Sane
- Alex Shelley
- Chris Sabin
- Aleister Black
- Zelina Vega
- Nikki Cross
- Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas
- Erick Rowan
- Joe Gacy
- Dexter Lumis
- Santos Escobar
- Alba Fyre
- Zoey Stark
- Apollo Crews
- Malik Blade
- Dante Chen
- Andre Chase
- Luca Crusifino
- Tyson Dupont
- Tyriek Igwe
- Tayra Mae Steel
Despite the official silence from WWE, some of the released stars took to social media to express their feelings. Alba Fyre referenced her previous name, Kay Lee Ray, writing on X: “Kay Lee Ray would batter Alba Fyre. Just saying….”
Nikki Cross shared a heartfelt message, thanking WWE and expressing excitement for her next chapter. She wrote: “Goodbye and Thank you WWE. I’m really excited for whatever my next chapter will hold. Thank you all for the continued love and support.”
Reactions from Fans and Colleagues
WWE expert Alistair McGeorge commented on the surprising nature of the cuts, noting that some of the decisions are hard to understand. He pointed out that Kairi Sane had been involved in a major storyline with Asuka and Iyo Sky, while Aleister Black returned from AEW just a year ago. The Motor City Machine Guns had been signed less than 18 months ago, adding to the confusion.
Zelina Vega posted on X: “My fans mean the absolute world to me. I’ve lost a lot this year and in my life in general… but I gained all of you. Thank you. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.”
Other current WWE superstars have also weighed in on the cuts, with many fans describing them as “baffling” and “heartbreaking.” Nikki Bella responded to Nikki Cross’ post, saying: “Heartbroken. Love you so much, Nikki! Going to miss your energy, laugh, and light every time you walked into a room.”
Chelsea Green praised Alba Fyre, stating: “You guys didn’t get to see how talented KLR is. I know you saw bits & pieces, but trust me, there’s so much more to her. She’s a fearless wrestler…”
Rhea Ripley described the annual cuts as the “worst time of the year,” adding: “Today’s been a very sad day… Absolutely gutted for my friends and comrades 😔 Worst time of the year. Go prove them all wrong!”
