Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWWE’s principal May 2025 release wave was reported on May 2, 2025, and included 16 confirmed performers. The five main-roster names were Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance, and Kayden Carter. The NXT names were Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, and Dani Palmer. Shotzi was reported separately as facing a contract non-renewal, so she is not included in the confirmed-release count.
Confirmed WWE releases in May 2025
WWE’s principal May 2025 release wave was reported on May 2, 2025, shortly after WrestleMania 41. The confirmed list contained 16 performers: five main-roster wrestlers and 11 wrestlers associated with NXT.
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Because WWE did not publish one clearly identified public master list covering every name, the list below reflects performers confirmed by contemporaneous wrestling-news reporting. Shotzi is discussed separately because reports described her situation as a contract non-renewal rather than a confirmed immediate release.
Main-roster wrestlers reported released
| Wrestler | Roster status at the time |
|---|---|
| Braun Strowman | Main roster |
| Dakota Kai | Main roster |
| Shayna Baszler | Main roster |
| Katana Chance | Main roster |
| Kayden Carter | Main roster |
NXT wrestlers reported released
| Wrestler | Roster status at the time |
|---|---|
| Cora Jade | NXT |
| Gigi Dolin | NXT |
| Eddy Thorpe | NXT |
| Jakara Jackson | NXT |
| Riley Osborne | NXT |
| Oro Mensah | NXT |
| Javier Bernal | NXT |
| Joe Coffey | NXT |
| Mark Coffey | NXT |
| Wolfgang | NXT |
| Dani Palmer | NXT |
The complete confirmed list at a glance
Combining the two roster groups, the 16 performers reported as released in WWE’s May 2, 2025 wave were:
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- Braun Strowman
- Dakota Kai
- Shayna Baszler
- Katana Chance
- Kayden Carter
- Cora Jade
- Gigi Dolin
- Eddy Thorpe
- Jakara Jackson
- Riley Osborne
- Oro Mensah
- Javier Bernal
- Joe Coffey
- Mark Coffey
- Wolfgang
- Dani Palmer
Shotzi’s contract was reportedly not renewed
Shotzi should not be added to the confirmed total of 16 without a qualification. May 2025 reports said WWE had informed Shotzi that it would not renew her contract. That describes a reported non-renewal or contract-expiration situation, which is not necessarily the same as an immediate release announced during the May 2 wave.
For that reason, the most accurate wording is: Shotzi was reportedly not renewed, while 16 other performers were reported as released. Contract status can involve notice periods, expiration dates, and other terms that are not publicly identical for every wrestler.
When did WWE make the May 2025 cuts?
The principal reports emerged on Friday, May 2, 2025, in the post-WrestleMania 41 period. Wrestling-news outlets characterized the decisions as part of a post-WrestleMania roster-cut cycle. “May 2025 releases” therefore primarily refers to this May 2 group, rather than to every later change in a wrestler’s status during the month.
How long were the reported non-compete periods?
Contemporaneous reporting described a general distinction between the two roster levels:
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- Main-roster performers: generally reported to have 90-day non-compete periods.
- NXT performers: generally reported to have 30-day non-compete periods.
These were reported standard timeframes, not verified individualized contract terms for every person on the list. A non-compete period can also be affected by the wording of a particular agreement and the date on which the release or contract end becomes effective. Readers should not assume that every wrestler became free to appear for another promotion on the same date.
What this list does—and does not—confirm
- It identifies the 16 performers tied to the principal May 2, 2025 release wave by multiple contemporaneous wrestling-news reports.
- It does not claim that WWE published one official, comprehensive master list in a single announcement.
- It does not include Shotzi in the confirmed-release count because the available report concerned a contract non-renewal.
- It does not establish any wrestler’s current WWE, AEW, TNA, independent-wrestling, or streaming status after the release.
- It does not imply that all 16 performers had identical contracts or identical post-release restrictions.
Collectibles for fans of the released wrestlers
Fans collecting memorabilia from former WWE Superstars can search WWE trading cards by individual wrestler and product year. 2025 Topps WWE products are a relevant place to begin, but availability and checklist inclusion vary: do not assume that every wrestler in this May 2025 release group appears in every set.
Official WWE consumer products also include categories such as apparel, accessories, toys, replica championship titles, and other collectibles. Stock changes quickly, especially for performers who have recently left the company, so a specific item should be checked before treating it as available.
Where to watch WWE after the roster changes
The release list does not change the basic way to follow WWE programming. For current episodes of Raw, SmackDown, NXT, Premium Live Events, and historical content, check WWE’s official shows and viewing information for the latest provider and availability in your country. Distribution rights are regional and can change over time, so a service available in the United States may not be the service available in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere.
Use the exact program name and your location when checking where to watch WWE; that is more reliable than assuming that an older streaming arrangement still applies.
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Sources and reporting standard
The May 2 release names were cross-checked against contemporaneous reporting from PWInsider, Fightful, and PWTorch, with additional independent reporting used to distinguish the NXT names and Shotzi’s separate contract situation. The wording “reported release” is intentional: it accurately reflects the available reporting without overstating the existence of a single WWE-issued master list.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick reference
Confirmed May 2025 release count: 16.
Reported date of the principal wave: May 2, 2025.
Main-roster names: Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance, and Kayden Carter.
NXT names: Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, and Dani Palmer.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Separate qualification: Shotzi was reportedly not renewed, rather than being included as a confirmed immediate release.
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- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from high-quality, durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR WWE FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any WWE merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Stone Cold Steve Austin vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was released by WWE in May 2025?
The confirmed May 2025 WWE release list contains 16 performers: Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Oro Mensah, Javier Bernal, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, and Dani Palmer.
Was Shotzi released by WWE in May 2025?
Shotzi was reportedly informed that WWE would not renew her contract. That is a reported non-renewal or expiration situation, not the same as a confirmed immediate release, so she is excluded from the confirmed total of 16.
When did WWE release the wrestlers in May 2025?
The principal May 2025 WWE release reports emerged on May 2, 2025, in the post-WrestleMania 41 roster-cut period.
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Contemporaneous reporting generally described 90-day non-compete periods for main-roster performers and 30-day periods for NXT performers. Those were reported standard distinctions, not verified identical terms for every wrestler.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The principal WWE release wave reported on May 2, 2025 involved 16 performers—five from the main roster and 11 from NXT. Shotzi belongs in a separate contract non-renewal note, not in the confirmed-release total unless later documentation establishes otherwise.
Quick Recap
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