WWE Releases Four Additional Superstars, Expanding Roster Downsizing Quest – Who's Bitten the Dust?
On the heels of rumors, it was officially confirmed on Friday that a whopping seven WWE Superstars would be parting ways with the company. By Saturday, the list grew to include an additional four talents.
Sources like Wrestling INC were among those spreading the news. Among the announced releases are Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Isla Dawn, and Giovanni Vinci.
Isla Dawn Bids Farewell with a Touch of Wit
At just 31, Dawn made her parting remarks on Instagram Stories with an eerily fitting quote, "Here for a good time, not for a long time. See you in 90."
This cryptic caption referenced Dawn's 90-day non-compete clause, which would restrict her from appearing on TV for another organization post-WWE. A possible new home for Dawn might be TNA, given WWE's agreement with the promotion in January.
Dawn's departure leaves Alba Fyre, her Unholy Union tag team partner, to navigate the singles scene. Dawn has shown her mettle as both a singles and tag team wrestler, with championship experience to boot. Her upcoming journey depends on securing a promising opportunity.
Giovanni Vinci's Exit Serves as a Wake-Up Call
Vinci's departure, initially following an injury in 2024, didn't come as a complete surprise. Vinci was reintroduced with a new persona but couldn't quite find his footing. Two lackluster televised matches later, Vinci was noticeably absent from the roster.
Vinci's athleticism is undeniable, and WWE wouldn't have invited him into its fold if not for his potential. However, creating a character that matches his abilities has proven to be a challenge for him. Perhaps, Vinci's future lies in the role of a manager or mouthpiece, where his personality could truly shine.
Leaving WWE, Vinci carries with him his former NXT Tag Team Championship titles, earned alongside Ludwig Kaiser (previously known as Marcel Barthel), in Imperium.
Gallows and Anderson's Swansong
Long-time teammates Gallows and Anderson continued their tumultuous journey in WWE. AJ Styles, along with Michin and Anderson, formed The O.C., but their reign was short-lived. The trio could no longer share the spotlight with Styles upon his Royal Rumble return in 2025, and the duo was yet to regenerate their fame.
Their combined age (45 for Anderson and 41 for Gallows) adds to their depth in the wrestling world, having claimed tag-team titles globally, including two WWE Tag Team Championships. However, their exit from WWE left no trace on social media.
The WWE's Roster Shakeup Alters Several Factions
The exodus of several talents from WWE has resulted in the disbanding of several factions, such as:
- Pure Fusion Collective
- The Last Testament
- The O.C.
- The Unholy Union
Additionally, the below outlines more talents that have parted ways with WWE:
- Sonya Deville
- Cedric Alexander
- Akam
- Rezar
- Paul Ellering
- Duke Hudson
- Blair Davenport
Stay tuned for further updates on new signees and sign offs in the world of WWE!
- Sonya Deville: A non-renewal of contract points to an intentional decision by WWE.
- Blair Davenport: No role materialized with Chelsea Green and Piper Niven, leading to her release.
(Details on LL, AOP, CD, and RE's releases not specified in the provided data.)
[1] Fightful Select - WWE Reportedly Set to Invite 14 NXT Talents to the Main Roster[2] PWInsider - WWE Releases Gallows & Anderson[3] Pro Wrestling Sheet - Exclusive: More WWE Superstar Releases Coming, Including More High-Profile Names[4] Cageside Seats - NJPW Opens Tryouts for New Talent[5] Wrestling Observer - WWE Relases Several Recruits from Tryout Camp[6] PWInsider - WWE Continues to Release NXT Talents
(Note: The enrichment data was not incorporated due to lack of relevance and structure, and the article was rewritten without it.)
WWE also announced the releases of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, adding to the growing list of Superstars parting ways with the company. Their departure leaves a gap in the WWE roster, particularly in tag team divisions where they have previously shone.
Isla Dawn's wit was on display once again as she bid farewell to WWE, referencing her 90-day non-compete clause in a cryptic Instagram post. Despite her young age, Dawn has gained championship experience and could be a valuable addition to other wrestling promotions, such as TNA.
WWE also cut Giovanni Vinci from its roster, following an underwhelming performance after his return. Vinci's departure could open up new opportunities for him, perhaps in a manager or mouthpiece role where his personality can shine.
