Backstage Update on if More WWE Roster Cuts Coming

Over the past two weeks, WWE has released over two dozen superstars from their contracts.

Though giant waves of budget cuts are nothing new in WWE, the timing of it caught fans off guard. The first part of the cuts began on Apr. 24, just five days after the WrestleMania 42 pay-per-view.

That first stage of cuts included Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, the entire Wyatt Sicks stable, Apollo Crews and The Motor City Machine Guns. Eight days later, WWE unexpectedly cut ties with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who spent 12 years in the iconic New Day stable.

WWE has already trimmed its roster down by nearly 30 superstars. But are there more cuts on the horizon?

Speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlingInc.com), Dave Meltzer reports that the latest wave of WWE cuts has been completed.

"Every name has been told," Meltzer said. "If someone was told and did not go on social media or they did not remove the name from the website yet, it is possible a name or two could still come out."

Meltzer added that some wrestlers were told they would be released if they didn't agree to a pay cut.

A Prime Opportunity Emerges for AEW

Standard WWE contracts carry 90-day non-compete clauses, meaning a released talent usually has to wait three months to sign with another promotion.

In that case, the recently released WWE superstars will have to wait until late July or early August to find another home.

Since launching in 2019, the rival All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion has made a habit of quickly recruiting former WWE stars. This included Aleister Black (Malakai Black in AEW), who was initially released from WWE in 2021.

With plenty of ex-WWE talents about to enter the open market, this is a golden opportunity for AEW president Tony Khan to bolster the AEW roster. It would certainly make sense to bring in The New Day, arguably the greatest tag team in WWE history, to bolster that division.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 3:24 PM.