In a move that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, WWE has continued its tradition of spring cleaning by releasing a total of ten NXT performers, including the seasoned Drew Gulak. According to reports from Fightful Select and Wrestling Inc., this round of cuts marks another strategic thinning of the ranks within WWE’s developmental territory.
Drew Gulak, a prominent figure in the No Quarter Catch Crew of “NXT,” recently found himself at the center of controversy following an alleged incident with former WWE star Ronda Rousey. Rousey accused Gulak of an inappropriate touch during a backstage encounter, to which Gulak responded that any contact was unintentional and immediately apologized. This incident seemed to herald his departure from the NXT spotlight, culminating in a storyline exit that left his character ominously “sleeping with the fishes.”
Alongside Gulak, the cuts included a diverse group of talents, some of whom had just begun to make their mark on NXT television. The list of released performers includes Darrell Mason, Vlad Pavlenko, Ezekiel Balogun, Kiyah Saint, Emma Diaz, Valentina Feroz, Keyshawn Leflore, Trey Bearhill, and Julian Baldi. Notably, Valentina Feroz had been a more visible presence on NXT, wrestling 22 matches on the show since 2020.
These cuts come in the wake of speculations that had been circulating among NXT talent regarding potential releases, especially after the departure of Von Wagner earlier in April. Fightful noted that Wagner’s release was due to the company’s assessment that he had not made satisfactory progress during his tenure.
As WWE continues to evolve and refine its roster, these departures highlight the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, where even established talents like Gulak find themselves vulnerable to sudden shifts in their career trajectories. Fans and performers alike are left to ponder what the future holds for those who have been released, and how WWE’s strategic decisions will reshape the development of its next generation of stars.