Additional WWE Developmental Cuts Could Be Coming Next Week

WWEâ€s recent wave of developmental cuts may not be the end — and insiders are now warning that more names could be on the chopping block soon.

On Saturday, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer reported that “possible more cuts [are] coming next week,â€following the confirmed exits of several talents from WWEâ€s NXT and ID programs. That initial round of departures hit on Friday, October 10, and included some notable names.

Bodyslam.net confirmed that the list features former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, former EVOLVE General Manager Stevie Turner, Drako Knox, Jamar Hampton, Jin Tala, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, and Brayden “BJ†Ray. Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel had already revealed the week prior that they were also out, as their WWE ID contracts werenâ€t being renewed.

Alvarez also reiterated that budget wasnâ€t the issue behind the cuts. WWEâ€s focus is clearly performance-based.

“WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly,†Alvarez wrote. “If youâ€re not progressing fast enough or they feel you donâ€t have what it takes for main roster, youâ€re out to make room for someone new.â€

Wes Leeâ€s release is especially surprising given his resume. Signed in 2020 after a strong indie run as Dezmond Xavier, Lee found success in WWE as part of MSK, capturing the NXT Tag Team Titles twice. After going solo, he went on to hold the NXT North American Championship for 269 days — the longest reign in the titleâ€s history. He had been off TV since late 2023 with a back injury.

Stevie Turner also had a unique trajectory. After starting in NXT UK, she moved to NXT and was recently named the on-screen GM of the rebranded EVOLVE brand. The rest of the talent pool cut mostly consisted of newer names who had been working within the WWE ID and EVOLVE systems.

The cuts are being described as part of a larger shift in how WWE views its developmental structure — if a talent doesnâ€t show main roster potential quickly, theyâ€re cycled out to make room for the next prospect.

Do you think WWE is too quick to cut developmental talent, or is it smart business? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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