When Recently Released WWE Superstars’ Non-Compete Clauses Expire

WWE’s mass firings yesterday have some fans confused about who can go when and where. Recently, Bray Wyatt counted down to the end of his non-compete provision after his release from WWE, and we’ve heard nothing since. This caused even more confusion as people expect wrestlers to show up somewhere as soon as they’re allowed. We now know when all the wrestlers released will be available to work outside of WWE.

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer cleared up the situation. There are two different standard non-compete clauses used in WWE contracts. The main roster and NXT talent have separate rules.

“The main roster talent has a 90-day non-compete, meaning they are free on 2/2. Those without main roster deals have a 30-day non-compete, meaning they are free on 12/4.”

Fans and wrestlers alike became nervous when reports surfaced early yesterday that WWE were about to release several superstars. Later, after reporting a successful financial quarter and boasting about revenues and opportunities, over a dozen WWE talents were let go. WWE called the move a cost-cutting measure.

There are several wrestlers who were released that are already accepting bookings after their non-compete period ends. The NXT-only wrestlers will be able to get started before the end of the year, allowing them to work leading up to Christmas. The main roster talent will have to wait until the second month of the new year.

There will certainly be a lot of interest in most of the new list of free agents. Keith Lee will likely be the most desirable, but Ember Moon and Oney Lorcan will get major league contacts as well. Some, like Nia Jax, may have more difficulty finding work in wrestling. Jax is considered very unsafe in the ring, and her anti-vaccination stance will make her harder to book as vaccine mandates become the norm at arenas.

Where do you think the wrestlers released by WWE will end up? Share your thoughts in the comments!