Free Post: Details Behind WWE Releases (Patreon)

WWE had their latest round of releases on April 19.

Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that Indus Sher (Jinder Mahal, Sanga, Veer), Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn were all released by the company. Internally, the releases were cited as budget cuts, though we're not sure what was indicated to talent. The talent were informed Friday evening.

When we asked around about the cuts, Fightful were told by WWE higher ups that it was a combination of not appearing on television due to creative not having anything for the talent, as well as upward trajectory based on progression and how long they'd been with the company.

Several wrestlers at Smackdown found out about the releases as the news filtered in. Unlike some occasions in the past, there were not memos sent out to talent or staff that announced the releases. So talent still on the roster found out as they became public knowledge. WWE no longer publicly announce releases, and haven't for years. We've not had it confirmed that this is all of the releases, though other outlets have claimed it was. We've also not confirmed the nature of the contact made with the talent, outside of that it was via a phone call Friday.

Jinder Mahal was at NXT recently, and Corey Brennan is told that he was very helpful and willing give advice to anyone that wanted it. It was clarified to Sean Ross Sapp that Mahal's departure was a release, as opposed to him quitting.

Xia Li worked directly with Shawn Michaels on her story with Lyra Valkyria, and was actually advertised for this Monday's world title battle royal. When Fightful asked about that, we're told the graphics team had not been made privy to the details of the release.

Ultimately, we didn't hear of any situations of heat that would have contributed to the releases, and generally the talent let go appeared to be well liked.