Real reason WWE released Bloodline member and 11 other wres... .

WWE Crown Jewel weekend was a whirlwind of emotions. As memorable as the show was, fans are still reeling from the latest round of cuts that happened hours before the premium live event.

Now, the backstage reason behind the fresh wave of releases has been revealed.

As many as a dozen wrestlers were let go from their contracts, mostly from NXT, ID, and EVOLVE. According to Fightful and BodySlam.Net, the talents listed below were released as of October 10.

1. Wes Lee
2. Stevie Turner
3. Lance Anoa’i
4. Jin Tala
5. Haze Jameson
6. Kylie Rae
7. Drako Knox
8. Summer Sorrell
9. Brayden 'BJ' Ray
10. Jamar Hampton
11. Zara Zakher
12. Zayda Steel

In an update, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer clarified on X that the recent wave of releases was not budget-related but rather performance-based. Here's what the wrestling journalist had to say:

WWE cuts were not budget related, they have over 130 people in developmental and hire more regularly,” Alvarez wrote. “If you’re not progressing fast enough or they feel you don’t have what it takes for main roster, you’re out to make room for someone new. Possible more cuts coming next week.

BREAKING:

Wes lee has been released from WWE. pic.twitter.com/9DjHdKUEyC

— 👑𝔸𝕕𝕒𝕞 𝔾𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕘👑  (@AdamGoldberg28) October 11, 2025

Wes Lee's exit came as a surprise after the incredible 269-day singles run that he had with the NXT North American Championship.

It doesn't look like he will be a free agent for long, as he has already received an offer from TNA star Zachary Wentz for a potential reunion.

How did Lance Anoa’i react to his WWE release?

Roman Reigns' cousin, Lance Anoa’i, had a string of bad luck as he never got the chance to make his NXT debut due to a myriad of injuries.

Lance Anoa’i took to his X/Twitter to announce that he would be returning to the independent circuit, where he spent the majority of his career.

I would officially announce my departure from WWE! I didn’t have the best of luck since I arrived! I will not let this stop me from achieving to be great! I’ve worked hard on the indies for 15 years! Now let’s get back to work! 30days Accepting bookings booklanceanoai@gmail.com," wrote Lance on X.

The son of Samu has to work his way up to make his way back to WWE in the near future.