In a surprising turn of events that left fans reaching for their popcorn, WWE announced the release of three of its talents—Jinder Mahal, Xia Li, and Xyon Quinn—right in the middle of Friday’s “WWE SmackDown” episode. This trio didn’t just exit the stage; they left with a bang and a bit of mystery.
First up, Jinder Mahal, who had fans doing a double-take at their screens when he tweeted “I quit,” moments before his release was confirmed. Was it a resignation? A preemptive strike? No matter the angle, Mahal’s dramatic exit has all the makings of a wrestling soap opera. And yes, he’s now touting himself as a “Free Agent – 90 Days” on X, fire emoji included, hinting at his non-compete clause ticking down.
Then there’s Xia Li, who took a more gracious route. She posted a heartfelt thanks to the WWE, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, and the WWE Universe. It’s always classy to leave on a high note, and Li’s dignified exit was akin to a mic drop in the world of wrestling goodbyes. Her last match, a dance in the ring with Natalya on April 15th’s “WWE Main Event” in Canada, now marks the end of her WWE chapter.
Xyon Quinn, the quiet one of the bunch, hasn’t made a peep on X since early March. His final WWE appearance saw him going down to Bron Breakker in a “SmackDown” taping this past January. With his departure less theatrical, it leaves fans wondering what’s next for the powerhouse.
As the wrestling world buzzes with speculation and hot takes, one thing is certain: the WWE landscape is shifting. With no official word yet from WWE, the rumormill is churning at full speed. Are these releases a strategic move for an upcoming draft or a simple roster trim? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this drama is just too good to miss.