Last month, the WWE roster was slashed as over a dozen performers — including Braun Strowman and Dakota Kai — were handed their walking papers. Roster cuts are a yearly occurrence in the company, and there will likely be another round much later in the year. Or maybe sooner.
This week, it was reported that more releases could be coming in the near future. With that in mind, we take a look at nine current WWE stars who are in danger of being the next group of athletes let go by the company.
The Miz
There have already been rumblings that the Miz’s time in the company could be close to an end after he removed references to WWE from his social accounts. Recent reports have suggested the company wants to go with younger or fresh-faced talent going forward. Following R-Truth’s release, his former tag partner getting cut after being in the company for over 20 years is very possible.
Asuka
Asuka has been away recovering from a major knee injury. Based on her social accounts, it would seem like she is ready to return. Yet, there haven’t been any rumors of her popping back up on WWE TV. At 43 years old and with a lot of wear and tear on her body, the Japanese legend is likely in the crosshairs of WWE’s accounting team if they need to slash more payroll.
Karrion Kross
Despite hardly wrestling on TV and only having backstage or social media segments, Karrion Kross is as appealing as he has ever been in the company. Yet, despite his contract ending soon, recent rumors suggest WWE has not spoken with him about returning. Based on how he has been used and the promotion’s disinterest in locking him up to a new deal, it seems like Kross won’t be on the WWE roster much longer.
Adriana Rizzo
With The Family heading toward a complete breakup in NXT, Adriana Rizzo could be on the chopping block. She is a solid performer, but has never been pushed to the forefront of any major storylines. With the WWE roster in NXT’s women’s division as deep as ever, Rizzo may get dropped to bring in talent from LFG and Evolve.
Pretty Deadly
There was a time when it seemed like Pretty Deadly would be one of the linchpins of the tag team division. However, injuries completely killed their momentum and push. The tag division has been a focus on SmackDown of late. Yet, the English team has not been part of the segments showcasing the teams aiming for the titles. That is not a good sign for the former NXT tag champs.
Arianna Grace
Arianna Grace is a talented performer. She is great at being an annoying heel and is a rock-solid wrestler. However, the WWE roster already has an even better version in Chelsea Green. She deserves a chance on the main roster. But being sent to TNA to work with her father, Santino, and recently losing to an LFG prospect shows the company is not very high on making Grace a star on their content.
Omos
Vince McMahon loved gigantic athletes. That is why he always had an affinity for Omos. However, the current regime has moved far away from large performers. And has had him on ice for the better part of the last two years. It just seems like they don’t know how to use him. Which makes him a likely cut if management needs to trim the WWE roster again.
Ridge Holland
Ridge Holland was sent back to NXT last year after the company dissolved the Brawling Brutes. He had a solid second run, but he has been non-existent for the last few months. They could certainly send him back to the main roster. However, they already have many talents like him already there. It seems like Holland being released is not a matter of if, but when.
