Kairi Sane’s release from WWE came less than a week after WrestleMania 42, part of a wave of cuts that included her longtime allies and the entire Wyatt Sicks faction.
The timing underscores a pattern: WWE often reshapes its roster in the immediate aftermath of its biggest event, using the post-WrestleMania lull to produce cuts that might otherwise draw more scrutiny. This year’s round began on Friday, April 24, less than seven days after the Las Vegas spectacle.
Sane, who returned to WWE in 2023 and quickly re-established herself as a three-time women’s tag team champion alongside Asuka, was among the most prominent names released. Her departure followed a months-long storyline involving tension within Damage CTRL, particularly with Iyo Sky and Bayley.
In a heartfelt message shared through Cageside Seats, Sky reflected on their bond: “She was kinder than anyone, a little airheaded in the most endearing way, funny, charming, and my proud best friend. A comrade-in-arms who faced countless hardships in America, shed so many tears, and grew together with me.” She added that while it’s hard to imagine life without Sane in the passenger seat of their rental car, she’s certain Sane’s next chapter will be remarkable.
The cuts extended well beyond the women’s division. The Wyatt Sicks — a group formed in tribute to the late Bray Wyatt — were released en masse, including Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis. The faction had recently held the WWE Tag Team Titles and concluded a feud with MFT just one day before WrestleMania.
Also among those let go were Aleister Black and Zelina Vega, a married couple whose releases surprised many given their recent momentum. Black had won his last three matches, including victories over Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, and Matt Cardona, and had returned to WWE a year prior after a stint in AEW. Vega confirmed her departure during a Twitch stream, while Black’s exit was noted by CBS Sports as particularly unexpected given his upward trajectory.
Other names on the extensive list released by USA Today included former NXT champions like Dante Chen and Andre Chase, tag teams such as the Motor City Machine Guns, and several lower-card acts who had appeared on television in the weeks prior.
Nikki Cross, in her farewell message, thanked WWE and specifically credited coaches Robbie Brookside and William Regal, saying she was “excited for whatever my next chapter will hold.” Her words echoed a broader sentiment among the released: gratitude mixed with uncertainty about what comes next.
For Sane, the release marks the conclude of a second run that began with a highly anticipated return in 2023. Her time in WWE included a stint with the Kabuki Warriors, a tag team revival that paid homage to her earlier success in Japan, and a reign as women’s tag team champions that underscored her value to the division.
The scale of the cuts suggests a broader recalibration, possibly tied to budget planning, creative realignment, or preparation for the next wave of storylines leading into summer events. While WWE conducts annual releases, the post-WrestleMania timing has become a recognizable signal of change.
What remains unseen is how these departures will affect ongoing narratives. Sane’s absence leaves a void in the women’s tag scene, particularly given her chemistry with Asuka. The Wyatt Sicks’ dissolution removes a unique tribute act that had woven real-life emotion into its characters. And the loss of Black and Vega removes a duo that had begun to feel like a fixture on SmackDown.
For now, the former performers are left to navigate the independent circuit, international promotions, or other opportunities. As Sky put it, Sane’s “innate talent and the incredible knowledge and experience she’s gained in WWE” suggest her journey won’t end here — it may simply be changing venues.
Why did WWE release so many talent so soon after WrestleMania?
WWE typically conducts annual roster cuts, and the period following WrestleMania has become a traditional window for such moves, allowing the company to reset creatively and financially before the next competitive cycle.
Was Kairi Sane surprised by her release?
While Sane hasn’t publicly commented directly, her close friend Iyo Sky said the timing felt “unexpected,” suggesting the news came sooner than anticipated given their recent storylines and championship success.
What happens to the Wyatt Sicks now that they’ve been released?
The group has disbanded following their release. each member is now free to pursue independent opportunities, though no official statements have indicated plans to reunite elsewhere.
