Lately theWWEhas seen more drama than many of its recent matches with shakeups across the board, from the top all the way down to the performers, the wrestling franchise getting battered more than if it was taking a folding chair to the face. The WWE—where the entertainment should be in the ring and not the outside machinations surrounding it—has just gutted its UK roster, dumping 14 NXT UK wrestlers from the lineup, according to a report fromCultaholic.
This isn’t the first time an NXT member has been tossed—Nash Carter saw himself erased from the WWE 2K22 DLConce his allegations of spousal battery came outwhen his wife, fellow Wrestler Kimber Lee posted a photo of her split lip that he’d caused—but a shakeup like this is still pretty seismic in the sporting world.
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Starting with the recent ousting of former Chairman of the board and CEO Vince McMahon (with rumors coming that it was due to himmisappropriating money for hush money to brush a slew of sexual harassment claims under the rug), it’s been a wild time for the wrestling franchise that has long dominated the scene. Follow that up withRonda Rousey’s fine and suspension, having attacked the referee, Dan Engler, after he failed to notice that her opponent, Morgan, had tapped out during the arm bar and continued counting her out—Morgan would’ve lost either way—but Rousey’s outburst saw her slapped where it hurts: in the wallet.
The wrestlers being released from their contracts are:
NXT UK unceremoniously releasing these 14 wrestlers from its roster has left fans wondering if this is the first of new chief Triple H’s shakeups with rumors flying that NXT might be rebranded from UK to NXT Europe. Flash Morgan had this to say via his Twitter account: “As of today WWE and I have come to terms with the terms of my release. I want to thank them for all the opportunities they gave me over last 5 years and looking after me through injury. Excited to see what’s next. See you all soon.” He was soon echoed by others who’d been cast off after 5 years (or more) ofback-breaking, sweaty work in the ring, such as Wild Boar and Mark Andrews.
Jack Starz tweeted that he was “grateful” to have been a part of the show and Amale followed suit. Dave Mastiff simply tweeted a gif ofNapoleon Dynamitewaving goodbye. Mille McKenzie and Sha Samuels both Tweeted their thanks while Nina Samuels posted a hashtag about how the world #NeedsMoreNina. Primate posted his response on his Instagram, thanking the WWE for the opportunity which was similar to Rohan Raja who thanked them for letting him entertain thousands of people each week. Dari Luna and Kenny Williams said their goodbyes, but perhaps Ashton Smith summed up everyone’s runs at WWE NXT UK best: “One hell of a ride.”
