In a move more shocking than a heel turn at WrestleMania, WWE has once again wielded the budget axe, releasing several “NXT” talents. Fightful Select has given us the lowdown on why some of these performers were shown the door.
First up, Valentina Feroz and Boa. These two spent more time on the injured list than in the ring, which stunted their progress and ultimately led to their release. It’s hard to make an impact when you’re benched more often than a malfunctioning toaster.
Next, Trey Bearhill, whose departure caused a few double-takes backstage. Bearhill was apparently cut due to his perceived similarities to Eddy Thorpe. In the world of wrestling, having a doppelganger can be more dangerous than a steel chair shot to the head.
The biggest name to hit the chopping block was Gable Steveson, the controversial Olympic gold medalist. Despite being hyped as the next big thing, Steveson was released for failing to progress at a decent rate. Booker T didn’t hold back, suggesting that Steveson’s passion for amateur wrestling overshadowed his drive for WWE stardom. It seems Steveson’s gold medal couldn’t save him from WWE’s ruthless reality.
Some “WWE: Next Gen” talents, including Julian Baldi, were also released. These performers had to keep their contract status under wraps until after the reality series aired, adding a twist to their already turbulent WWE journey.
Lastly, Drew Gulak’s status remains in a state of limbo. Though still technically employed, he’s been informed that his contract won’t be renewed. This decision follows accusations from Ronda Rousey, who claimed that Gulak grabbed the drawstring on her sweatpants backstage. In WWE, it seems that even the smallest string can unravel a career.