Photo Credit – WWE
I wanted to go through some of the bigger names that WWE has released in the latest two cuts and where I think they are most likely to land. I will also give my take on if I agreed or disagreed with the releases.
1) Samoa Joe
Agree/Disagree: This is the one release that shocked me. He should have never been released and I understand he has had a few injuries but as he showed for months he is a great talent on commentary. strongly disagree with this release.
Where Will He Go: Joe is the biggest name on this list and could literally go anywhere he wants. AEW will be the biggest payday for him so it is very likely that’s where he ends up. However, the place that could use him the best is ROH as it has been the one place that always booked him right and as he said he considers it home. Despite teasing it, I don’t believe he will ever return to Impact. So the most likely landing spots unless WWE changes its mind quickly is either AEW or ROH.
2) Mickie James
Agree/Disagree: Disagree. She is a veteran talent that can help get talent over in the ring and a great backstage resource. On a side note, it is completely disgusting that this legend and future WWE HOFamer would be sent her stuff via trash bag.
Where Will She Go: She could in theory go anywhere but I don’t think AEW is likely for her. I think the most likely is the NWA to be with her husband. ROH is possible as they make a strong push to have a legitimate women’s division as they have a tournament scheduled for this summer. Impact is also a possible landing spot for her.
3) Chelsea Green
Agree/Disagree: Disagree. To be honest I’ve never been impressed with her in the ring but I would have given her more time for talent development for a character as she had limited TV time.
Where Will She Go: I think the most likely landing spot is back in Impact. Her fiancé is there and she had a lot of success there.
4) Tucker
Agree/Disagree: Agree. Nothing special in the ring or on the mic in my opinion.
Where Will He Go: Impact or MLW are the most likely landing spots. There is an outside chance ROH may be interested because of his background but my money is on Impact or MLW. I don’t expect a bidding war here.
5) Kalisto
Agree/Disagree: Now this one surprised me because of how talented he is but it has come out he had some ego issues and I understand why they released him. So I originally was disagree but if the rumors are true then I agree with it.
Where Will He Go: He has several options, I could see AEW making a play for him but I think Impact or MLW or a Mexican promotion being the most likely landing spots.
6) Wesley Blake
Agree/Disagree: Agree. I didn’t even know he was still under contract.
Where Will He Go: Impact or MLW or Indies. I don’t expect a bidding war for him.
7) Bo Dallas
Agree/Disagree: Agree. WWE has done nothing with him for a while.
Where Will He Go: Honestly, I think he is planning to leave the business. He could pop up in Impact or ROH or AEW but I’m not sure if he wants to wrestle anymore as he is pursuing a real estate career.
8) IIconics (Billie Kay Peyton Royce)
Agree/Disagree: Strongly Agree. I’ve always found them annoying as hell and meh in the ring. They may be very nice backstage but as far as a draw I don’t think either one has it.
Where Will They Go: I think wherever they go they go as a package deal. Peyton is married to Shawn Spears so AEW is certainly a possible landing spot for the pair. Impact is also a possibility too since they have a women’s tag championship.
9) Mojo
Agree/Disagree: Couldn’t Agree more
Where Will He Go: MLW or Impact or Indies are the most likely landing spots if he stays in the industry. He will not create a bidding war.
10) Aleister Black
Agree/Disagree: This one makes ZERO sense, they were literally airing promos for him and even had him start a feud on TV. He said himself he did not see this coming. Aleister was a money talent but Vince clearly didn’t understand the character and the great character from NXT was ruined on the main roster like so many others. Aleister had the makings of a young Undertaker in the sense that it was a dark character that could have evolved over time and been in some great feuds. This was an incredibly dumb release that could comeback and haunt WWE.
Where will he go? He could literally go anywhere as he is that big a talent. My guess is his most likely landing spot is a big money location so either AEW or NJPW. Considering AEW’s bad booking, he may favor NJPW but it depends if he wants to spend significant time in Japan which I don’t know if he does and how much money Tony Khan will offer him. There is a off chance ROH may make a play for him but I doubt they could pony up the money for him. Impact, NWA and MLW wouldn’t even be in the conversation.
I would assume it is unlikely Zelina Vega will return to WWE now and will likely follow her husband wherever he goes.
11) Braun Strowman
Agree/Disagree: Like Aleister, this release makes ZERO sense, this man is a giant of a man and a beast. He was pure money and was young and would continue to be a solid investment for years to come like Aleister. The rumor is he had a big contract but I feel this release like Aleister will comeback and bite WWE in the ass.
Where will he go? He could literally go anywhere as anyone with a brain would want this star. Pretty much see Aleister’s write up above it all applies to Braun. Now in Braun’s case he is very close to his family so I think it is very unlikely he’d move to Japan. So he is likely 100% that he goes to AEW.
12) Buddy Murphy
Agree/Disagree: Another this makes ZERO sense release, he was a young talent that was pure money going forward that could have a great match with anyone. This will bite WWE in the ass.
Where will he go? I know I sound like a broken record but literally everyone will want him. I could definitely see him in AEW because if they are smart they will sign him. NJPW is certainly a strong possibility and ROH may make a run at him since they likely cannot afford Aleister or Braun but they cannot win a bidding war with AEW.
13) Lana
Agree/Disagree: This one for me isn’t a great shock. She definitely put in a lot of work and has improved but after WWE fired her husband last year, I thought she would follow him to AEW.
Where will she go? AEW…this isn’t even debatable.
14) Ruby Riott
Agree/Disagree: She never fit the WWE mold and she lasted longer than I expected. I personally always liked her and thought they could do more with her.
Where will she go? The most likely landing spots are AEW or Impact. ROH is a small possibility since they are trying to have a women’s division but AEW would likely jump on her and if they don’t then Impact certainly will jump on her.
