In a shocking turn of events, WWE has trimmed down its roster significantly following its latest merger with UFC. Over 20 superstars, including fan favorites like Riddle, Dolph Ziggler, and Shelton Benjamin, have been shown the door in a move that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.
Riddle, a former UFC fighter who transitioned into WWE, announced his release with a heartfelt message to his fans on Friday. The enigmatic star, who had won multiple titles during his time with WWE, expressed his gratitude for the memories and opportunities that the company had provided him. His journey began in NXT, where he rapidly rose to prominence before making a splash on the main roster. Perhaps his most significant success came when he teamed up with Randy Orton as RK-Bro, a seemingly oddball babyface tag team that captured the Raw tag team championship twice. Riddle’s accomplishments also include United States title reigns and an NXT tag team championship alongside Pete Dunne. However, multiple behavioral issues, including a recent public incident at a New York airport, had made him a liability for WWE, ultimately leading to his release.
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Dolph Ziggler, a former two-time world heavyweight champion and Money in the Bank winner, was another veteran released after nearly two decades with WWE. Shelton Benjamin, a multi-time titleholder, also confirmed his departure from the company. Elias, known for his musical talents and unique character, reflected on his WWE journey in a heartfelt tweet.
The shockwaves didn’t end there, as Mustafa Ali, Emma, Madcap Moss, and former WWE women’s tag team champion Aliyah also publicly 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 upcoming No Mercy event on September 30th. With more cuts expected throughout the day, the wrestling community is left in suspense as to who else might be on the chopping block.
In addition to the roster overhaul, WWE announced a significant shift in its broadcasting landscape. SmackDown is set to move from Fox to the USA Network starting in October 2024, as part of a five-year deal between WWE and NBCUniversal. This move also includes WWE hosting four primetime network specials on NBC, marking a substantial change in the company’s television presence.
