WWE Releases Nia Jax, Others In Latest Shocking Move

More than a dozen WWE superstars (including Nia Jax) have been released from their contracts in a move that is both unexpected and shocking.

Media reports reveal that the wrestling brand executed the decision on Thursday and that 18 wrestlers were given the boot as part of a set of cuts affecting both the WWE main roster and the developmental NXT brand.

The most prominent names on the list include those of former Raw women's champion Nia Jax and former NXT champions Keith Lee and Karrion Kross.

Nia Jax

Others released from the WWE are Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado, Mia Yim, Eva Marie, Harry Smith, and B-Fab. Those dropped from the NXT roster are Franky Monet, Ember Moon, Scarlett, Oney Lorcan, Trey Baxter, Jessi Kamea, Zayda Ramier, Katrina Cortez, and Jeet Rama.

Keith Lee

Reports say budget cuts were the reasons behind the releases made on the same day WWE disclosed its third-quarter financial statement. It reported $255.8 million in revenue for the quarter, a 15 percent year-over-year increase.

The latest move marks WWE's first round of mass releases after 13 superstars were dropped from NXT in August. The wrestling brand had earlier released wrestlers in April, May, and June.