WWE: Edge Roster Status Update, Backstage NXT Reaction to Mustafa Ali & Dana Brooke’s Releases, Keiji Muto

Edge’s WWE Contract & Roster Status Update

As noted before, Edge’s contract with WWE is currently expected to expire at the end of this month and was recently moved from WWE’s internal active talent roster list to a miscellaneous roster list.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Edge’s name was recently removed from WWE’s internal miscellaneous roster list.

Johnson reported that Edge’s profile still remains on WWE’s official roster page on their website despite him no longer being listed internally as a member of their roster.

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Backstage NXT Reaction Over Mustafa Ali & Dana Brooke’s Releases

As noted before, WWE released a large batch of talent this past Thursday from both their main roster and NXT developmental system. Among those released included Mustafa Ali and Dana Brooke.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated NXT officials were frustrated over Ali’s release since they had felt that he was gaining steam on their brand. NXT officials reportedly were also frustrated over the lack of communication with WWE officials prior to last week’s talent releases being made.

Those spoken to reportedly stated that some of the frustrated emanated from the fact that there has been a renewed effort within WWE to stack their NXT brand with familiar names for ratings-related reasons.

It was reported that there was no indication by Tuesday of last week that Ali was going to be released nor was there even any indication by WWE officials that roster cuts would happen to anyone with a main roster contract.

In regards to NXT’s plans for Ali, NXT head booker Shawn Michaels reportedly had plans in place for Ali well into March of 2024 and he had been set to be a long term part of the brand.

In regards to Brooke’s release, it was reported that prior to her release, Brooke had often pushed to be more active in the ring. Those within NXT reportedly were happy to have her there and she was well liked by those on the NXT roster due to her willingness to help others.

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Keiji Muto Comments on WWE’s New TV Deal with ABEMA & Potential Future Partnership with NOAH

As noted before, WWE recently signed a new television contract with Japanese television network ABEMA to broadcast their programming in Japan.

BBM Sports Japan held a recent interview with Japanese wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Keiji Muto. One of the topics discussed included Muto’s thoughts on WWE’s new television deal in Japan and the potential of a future partnership with Pro Wrestling NOAH.

“NOAH is also ABEMA, right? It is a member of the Cyber Agent Group. Now WWE is also ABEMA, so there is a possibility that something will be born between WWE and NOAH. Okay, next time, I’ll build that bridge. I’ll buy Triple H some sushi, and I’ll bring the receipt to ABEMA. Wrestling is all about connecting the dots to the lines.”

English translation via Fightful.com