Braun Strowman’s release from WWE this week was a big surprise. Especially since he was a consistent figure on SmackDown each week. However, his second release from the company reportedly had nothing to do with his in-ring work and was all about the money.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, the former world champion’s contract was a big part of why he was let go. “He is the one that, the salary was high.One person told me that they felt he was paid more than what they were using him for, I guess is the best way to put it. But salary played a part in this.”
Braun Strowman, a former Universal Champion, was left off the WrestleMania 41 card. Just days later, WWE let him go. The “Big S.O.B.” didn’t say much publicly about the surprise news. Except sharing a cryptic post on X saying, “I might just retire here.”
Strowman’s release didn’t happen in a vacuum. He was one of over a dozen names cut this week, with Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, and many others let go as part of what looks like a larger internal reset.
However, this isn’t the first time Braun Strowman has been cut loose by WWE. He was released once before in 2021 but came back in 2022 when Triple H took over creative. Since then, he’s been in some decent feuds, especially with Bronson Reed and Jacob Fatu. But hasn’t had the kind of spotlight he once did.
Now with a 90-day non-compete clause in effect, Strowman’s future in wrestling is up in the air. AEW? TNA? Or will he actually retire for good this time?
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