How WWE Talent is Responding to Recent Releases

As previously mentioned, a series of WWE stars were unexpectedly released on Friday evening during the airing of SmackDown.

Among those released were Xyon Quinn, Veer, Sanga, Jinder Mahal, and Xia Li. There are no additional names anticipated to be let go in the immediate future. Such releases are part and parcel of the industry, as new talent emerges onto the main roster.

According to PWInsider, there was considerable empathy expressed, particularly for Jinder Mahal and Xia Li. In Mahal’s case, following his WWE Championship loss several years ago, the company failed to capitalize on his momentum. His initial push was attributed to the organization’s ambitious expansion plans in India, which ultimately did not materialize as expected.

Despite a promising segment with The Rock in January, Mahal found himself without a follow-up, leading to speculation within the talent pool about potential feuds, including a humorous nod to a rivalry with Tony Khan on AEW Dynamite this summer. Mahal is currently subject to a 90-day non-compete clause, with interest from other promotions yet to be confirmed.

Similarly, Xia Li faced setbacks due to the sporadic nature of pushes during the Vince McMahon era. Despite her backstage popularity, she struggled with inconsistent opportunities for advancement.

What are your thoughts on the recent releases of WWE stars like Jinder Mahal and Xia Li? Do you believe the company missed opportunities with these talents, or do you think their releases were justified? How do you think these departures will impact the wrestling landscape, and where would you like to see these talents land next? Share your reflections and hopes for the future of these wrestlers in the comments below!