The WWE released cut 12 Superstars from its main roster via release and refusal to re-sign.
- Sonya Deville
- Cedric Alexander
- Akam
- Rezar
- Paul Ellering
- Duke Hudson
- Blair Davenport
- Isla Dawn
- Luke Gallows
- Karl Anderson
- Giovanni Vinci
While it is possible the promotion won’t replace all 12 departed Superstars, you can bet there is likely a wave of newcomers and returning performers set to land with the company.
Meanwhile, the WWE filed for the following 12 trademarks:
- Harley Riggins
- Aria Bennett
- Braxton Cole
- Masyn Holiday
- Summer Sorrell
- Haze Jameson
- Tate Wilder
- Jax Presley
- Osiris Griffin
- Drako Knox
- Trill London
- Chantel Monroe
Is it a coincidence that the number of trademarks matches the number of Superstars/talent released over the past week?
Maybe. I expect some of the newest members of the Raw and SmackDown rosters to be call-ups from NXT. Those guys and girls probably won’t get new names.
Here are my educated guesses on performers headed to the main roster:
Roxanne Perez
Her run as NXT Women’s Champion just ended, and she doesn’t have anything else to prove on the developmental level. Perez is as ready as anyone in NXT for Raw or SmackDown. She was an entrant in the 2025 Royal Rumble, which further suggests she’s close to being added to the main roster.
Trick Williams
Like Perez, Williams lost his NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil. Still, he has one of the most over entrance songs in WWE and the presence to become a major star. I’d still love to see his mic work continue to progress, but he’s ready for the next level as well.
Stephanie Vaquer
Vaquer hasn’t been with WWE long. She landed in NXT, but truthfully, Vaquer was ready for the big stage from Day 1. The 31-year-old was plucked from NXT, and it makes sense for her to have a short stay with the developmental brand.
Malakai Black aka Aleister Black
If you made a list of wrestlers who regret heading to AEW from WWE, Black might be at the top of it. After a strong start as the leader of the House of Black, his momentum and exposure fizzled.
He’s now a free agent and rumored to be headed back to WWE as soon as March.
Miro aka Rusev
Though not as prevalent, there are rumors the recently released Miro will return to WWE, where he had a strong run as Rusev. It’s unclear if he will rejoin the promotion and, if he does, whether he’ll come back with his real-life wife and former WWE Superstar, Lana.
Ricky Starks
Like Miro, Starks was recently released as well. There have been rumors dating back more than a year that WWE had interest in signing Starks. No one would be shocked if he showed up in some fashion for WWE in the coming months.
Nikkita Lyons
OK, Lyons is still signed with WWE, but she’s been working her way back. She wrestled a six-woman tag team match on February 8, which took place at a house show. She looks healthy, and it appears as though WWE might have some plans for her future.
She’s different from every other WWE Superstar currently on the roster, and it would be interesting to see what she can accomplish given a real opportunity.
