WWE has once again begun reshaping its roster, with a reported wave of NXT departures involving several wrestlers, including former champions. PWInsider first reported the cuts at 2:36 p.m. EST, noting that the releases were limited to NXT and that no main-roster departures were expected at the time. The first confirmed name was Jasper Troy, whose exit came as a surprise given his imposing 6-foot-5, 340-pound frame and previous success in WWE, where he captured the Speed Championship.
A few hours later, PJ Vasa appeared to confirm her departure by thanking WWE for the opportunity to work with the company. PWInsider subsequently reported that Vasa had also been released and would become a free agent after the standard 30-day period for NXT talent. The latest departures add to another significant round of changes within WWE’s developmental roster.
Why Is WWE Cutting Its NXT Roster?
WWE’s latest NXT roster cuts are being viewed as part of the company’s regular talent evaluation process, alongside broader efforts to streamline its roster under parent company TKO Group Holdings. The September 2026 releases have reportedly involved several NXT names, including Wendy Choo, Adriana Rizzo and former Speed Champion Jasper Troy. WWE routinely assesses its developmental talent, and wrestlers who are considered to have stalled creatively or are unlikely to progress to the main roster can be released as the company reshapes its pool of talent.
Another factor is the need to keep the developmental system from becoming overcrowded. With WWE continuing to bring in new athletes and independent wrestling prospects through the Performance Center, periodic departures create room for fresh talent. The company can therefore reassess its roster, manage resources and give new recruits opportunities within NXT and other developmental programs.
The releases also come with a shorter post-WWE restriction than those affecting main-roster talent. NXT wrestlers generally have a 30-day non-compete period after their contracts are terminated, meaning they must wait a month before joining another wrestling promotion. Main-roster wrestlers, by comparison, are typically subject to a 90-day non-compete clause.
Full List of WWE Wrestlers Released in Latest NXT Roster Cuts
| Wrestler | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Jasper Troy | WWE Speed Champion and Men’s LFG Season 1 winner |
| Wendy Choo | WWE Evolve Women’s Champion; competed on NXT and Evolve |
| Ellen Akesson | Swedish powerlifter and arm wrestler; won the 2024 Western European Powerlifting Championships; assigned to the WWE Performance Center but never wrestled an official match |
| Marcus Brown | Bodybuilder signed by WWE and assigned to the Performance Center; did not wrestle an official match |
| Adriana Rizzo | Was part of NXT from 2022–2025 and appeared on TV with the D’Angelo Family; dealt with multiple injuries; later worked as a ringside interviewer on Evolve |
| Zena Sterling | Joined WWE in 2023 and trained at the Performance Center; competed at NXT live events and appeared on WWE LFG and Evolve |
| Anya Rune | Won championships across six different promotions; appeared on Evolve in 2026, including a Women’s Title Qualifying Fatal Four-Way |
| Braxton Cole | Competed on Season 3 of WWE LFG; also appeared on Evolve and at numerous NXT live events |
| PJ Vasa | Former rugby player who made her Evolve debut in November 2025 |
| Gary Wilson | Referee who signed with WWE in 2022; worked on NXT before later appearing on SmackDown |
The latest WWE NXT roster cuts mark another major shake-up, with several established names and developmental talents departing the company as WWE continues to reshape its roster and create opportunities for new talent.
