WWE Releases Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Emma, & 13 Others [Update x4 – 22 Released]

WWE

Sep 21, 2023

UPDATE #4

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that NXT talent Ikemen Jiro was among the talent released by WWE on Thursday.

Prior to his release, Jiro had been working for WWE since December of 2020 primarily for their NXT brand.

UPDATE #3

NXT developmental talent Brooklyn Barlow announced on Instagram that she was among the talents released by WWE on Thursday.

“As of today, I am no longer with NXT. Grateful to have experienced the WWE universe and everything that comes along with it. The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out WHY. Thank you”

UPDATE #2:

NXT development talents Alexis “Lexis” Grey and Kevin Ventura-Cortez announced on Twitter and Instagram respectively that they were also among the talent released by WWE today.

I am no longer with WWE.
— Lexini 💕 (@LexIzBack242) September 21, 2023

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KEVIN VENTURA-CORTES™🐆 (@kevinvcortes7)

UPDATE:

NXT developmental talent Daniel McArthur announced on Instagram that he was among the talent released by WWE today.

WWE PC recruit Daniel McArthur has been released. Was a member of the August 2022 PC class. Don’t think he ever had a match. pic.twitter.com/FvaESGvwTw
— Danny (@dajosc11) September 21, 2023

McArthur had been with WWE since August 2022 but is believed to not have had any in-ring appearances during his time in the company.

As noted before, WWE was hit with another round of mass layoffs this past Friday as part of their post-sale to Endeavor and merger with UFC process.

WWE’s locker room was hit with a wave of releases today targeting both WWE’s main roster and NXT developmental system.

In regards to WWE’s main roster, the following talent were released today:

AJ “Top Dolla” Francis
Aliyah
Dolph Ziggler
Elias
Emma
Mace (also known as ma.ce’)
Mansoor (also known as ‘man.soor)
Rick Boogs
Riddick Moss
Shanky
Shelton Benjamin

These releases were confirmed by some of the talents themselves and Fightful Select.

Oops nevermind. I just got released…

I am no longer with WWE. https://t.co/ZdwPhdKMk7
— Tenille Dashwood (@EmmaWWE) September 21, 2023

As of today I am no longer apart of WWE.
— ALIYAH 3:17 (@WWE_Aliyah) September 21, 2023

I have been released from my wwe contract. I thank @wwe staff , talent, and of course the fans for Everything. Something ends, something new Begins. Looking forward to my next Chapter
— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) September 21, 2023

After almost 10 years of making something out of nothing I’m excited to spread my wings and be myself for the first time. Let’s take this anime reference to the next level.

STEP INTO THE GRAND TOUR.

Please support us on twitch tonight at 830! https://t.co/79HsO5rSVA pic.twitter.com/J9Fhd6FJWg
— brennan / jibo (@GREATBLACKOTAKU) September 21, 2023

My time at WWE has come to an end, but my career is just beginning. Thank you all! Excited to get back to work.

Please contact mansoorbooking@gmail.com for all booking inquiries starting Dec 20. pic.twitter.com/8buaGSaR3S
— Mansoor (@suavemansoor) September 21, 2023

In regards to WWE’s NXT developmental system, the following talents were released today: