The WWE roster is getting smaller after the company announced a new TV deal for SmackDown. Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin are among the superstars reportedly released. Ziggler, a former world heavyweight champion, had been with the company for almost 20 years. Benjamin, a multi-time titleholder, confirmed his release. Elias, while not directly addressing the report, shared a tweet reflecting on his WWE journey.
Mustafa Ali, Emma, Madcap Moss, and former WWE women’s tag team champion Aliyah all confirmed their releases on social media. Ali’s release was particularly surprising as he was scheduled to face Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American championship at the No Mercy event on Sept. 30. More cuts are expected throughout the day. Here is a list of all the confirmed and reported superstar releases:
Wrestlers released on Thursday
- Dolph Ziggler (reported)
- Shelton Benjamin (announced)
- Elias (reported)
- Mustafa Ali (announced)
- Emma (announced)
- Madcap Moss (announced)
- Aliyah (announced)
- Top Dolla (reported)
- Rick Boogs (reported)
- Dabba Kato
- Bryson Montana
- Shanky
- Mace
- Mansoor
- Quincy Miller
- Dana Brooke
WWE announced that SmackDown will move from Fox to the USA Network starting October 2024 as part of a five-year deal with NBCUniversal. WWE will also host four primetime network specials as part of the agreement. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Monday Night Raw and NXT, currently airing on USA Network, will move to different networks.
The recent roster cuts come after the launch of TKO, a media conglomerate formed by Endeavor that merged WWE and UFC parent company Zuffa. WWE and UFC continue to operate separately but under the banner of TKO. The company officially launched on Sept. 12 with a valuation of $21.4 billion, with Endeavor holding a 51% stake and WWE shareholders owning 49%.
Earlier this month, over 100 off-camera WWE staff members were laid off as part of budget cuts.
