WWE is trimming their bottom line in rapid fashion, and they gutted NXT with several releases on Friday. The reason for this is reportedly something other than the company’s quest to spend less money.
WWE released Bronson Reed, Bobby Fish, Leon Ruff, Tyler Rust, Jake Atlas, Mercedes Martinez, Asher Hale, Giant Zanjeer, Zechariah Smith, Kona Reeves, and Ari Sterling from their NXT contracts. This is a sad day for NXT.
Bronson Reed and Bobby Fish are the most surprising names on the list, as they were both big stars on the brand. The releases are most likely a part of the ongoing budget cuts, which recently saw former Universal Champion Bray Wyatt getting axed.
According to PW Insider, however, there have been lots of backstage talks of repackaging the NXT brand. This will include a total overhaul.
There has been lots of talk internally of major changes for the NXT brand including a new logo, new lighting, a focus on younger talents and a different format to the TV shows. This housecleaning tonight appears to be part of those changes.
Former NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed reacted to his release on Twitter by revealing that he’s back on the loose. He also teased that he could land on AEW, Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
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