The WWE made several cuts and has chosen not to renew certain contracts. This news affects the backstage area, NXT, and even the main roster. The list below focuses on those called up, how they got here, and what their next steps should be.
Braun Strowman is the biggest name on the list. He put in the work and saw success in his character and athleticism. Strowman showed the willingness to work and the range to pull off anything asked of him.
First noticed in 2014 as a comical extra for Adam Rose, Strowman’s character continued to reach multiple levels. His first major storyline with the main roster was with The Wyatt Family, the complete opposite of the previous party image. The 2016 WWE draft split him from the faction, and he went on to a singles career.
From ‘Monster Among Men’ to ‘One Big S.O.B.,’ Strowman’s career is commendable. What he lacks in move diversity, he makes up for in ring IQ and an ability to work with any style. The big man also made significant changes to improve his physique while in WWE.
Strowman gained the tainted title of ‘injury prone,’ so the company can’t rely on him for long-term storylines. If he still has the desire to wrestle, TNA is the best fit. The schedule is lighter, and AEW would bury him along with the other big men.
Dakota Kai earned her way into the WWE the old-fashioned way: by making a name for herself on the independent scene. Kai’s first major splash in the company was in June 2017, when she was announced for the Mae Young Classic and officially changed her name from Evie. From there, she went to NXT before being released and later rehired to the main roster.
Kai had a niche following but failed to get over. It’s commendable to make it to the WWE and earn tag gold, but she lacks enough to be in the singles picture. The promos never improved, and her in-ring work is feeble. She has dedicated her life to wrestling, so expect the New Zealander to show up on the wrestling scene in one way or another.
The best course for her is Japan, in an organization like Stardom. The name would benefit the company, and she would be a main event caliber star. This organization can be good for talented and dedicated workers to sharpen their skills. Kai would get buried in TNA or AEW, but who could blame her if she wanted the bigger check?
Shayna Baszler is a candidate for one of the biggest WWE fumbles. She brought an aggression to the mic and ring that a soft women’s division needed. After a career in the UFC, Baszler earned her stripes on the independent scene.
After stops in places like Ring of Honor, Absolute Intense Wrestling, Stardom, and Shimmer, Baszler appeared in WWE for the 2017 Mae Young Classic. She brought submissions and toughness to the NXT women’s division. After becoming a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, she dropped the title to Rhea Ripley in December 2019.
WWE failed Baszler’s unique moveset and look. There is no rationalization for why this woman never obtained a singles title. Not fitting the typical mould, the company failed to get her over.
Now 44, Baszler has earned a lighter schedule. Having a history with the legendary Josh Barnett, expect to see her part-time, making appearances for Bloodsport or GCW. Her name lifts any independent company, and she has the grit to hold her own in any situation.
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance are more understandable cuts. As part of WWE’s efforts to build the women’s tag division, they were paired in NXT and given a title run. However, their lack of wrestling ability and softer in-ring style confined them to a ‘wannabe’ party girl gimmick.
Chance never dreamed of becoming a pro wrestler, but stumbled across it after gymnastics and American Ninja Warrior. Don’t expect to see her much, but if she truly wants to dedicate her life to wrestling, she needs to hit a school and the independent scene. Her athleticism doesn’t make up for how weak she is.
Carter has deeper roots in wrestling than her former tag partner. Starting in 2016, she travelled across the US and Mexico for numerous promotions. She hit the mainstream in the 2018 Mae Young Classic and paired with Chance in NXT afterward.
Being teamed with a non-wrestler hampered her WWE career, and she was never given a singles opportunity. The name isn’t enough to move the needle in AEW, and she’s certainly paid her dues on the indie circuit. TNA provides an opportunity for growth as a singles star.
Wrestling is a business where cuts happen, but WWE has a bigger spotlight. There are plenty of wrestling gigs out there to work and improve. Even those who are let go generally prosper from the former affiliation.
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