Another Round of WWE Cuts—And This One Stings
The WWE roster just got lighter, folks, and not in a “New Year’s Resolution” kind of way. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Giovanni Vinci have been handed their walking papers as part of WWE’s latest round of talent cuts. Reports from PWInsider and Fightful confirm that these three are now free agents, joining a growing list of released superstars, including Isla Dawn, Blair Davenport, Sonya Deville, and the Authors of Pain (yes, even their manager Paul Ellering got the boot).
While WWE hasn’t officially addressed why they suddenly turned into HR’s version of The Undertaker, sources believe this is tied to upcoming NXT call-ups. You know, out with the old, in with the rookies. Classic.
Karl Anderson: Released on the Injury List—A Rare, Cold Move
Of all the releases, Anderson’s might be the shadiest. The Good Brother is recovering from shoulder surgery and was expected to be out for another 3–6 months. But instead of getting a warm “Get Well Soon” card from corporate, he got a “Best of Luck in Your Future Endeavors” email. Savage. That’s like getting fired while you’re still asleep in the break room.
Still, Anderson seems to be in “good spirits,” which is more than we can say for WWE fans after hearing the news.
Gallows & Vinci: One Last Dark Match Before the Darkness Set In
Gallows and Vinci both wrestled their last WWE matches in December, ironically against each other in an untelevised SmackDown dark match. Now, neither of them will get the chance to fight under WWE’s bright lights again—at least not anytime soon.
Gallows and Anderson returned to WWE in 2022 after being let go in 2020 (yep, WWE ghosted them twice), spending most of 2024 in NXT before, well… this. Meanwhile, Vinci—formerly known as Fabian Aichner—was once a key piece of Imperium, but after being kicked out in 2024, his stock dropped faster than a 24/7 Title reign. WWE apparently saw the writing on the wall and decided to “future endeavor” him as well.
What’s Next for These Superstars?
Gallows and Anderson could easily return to NJPW, IMPACT, or AEW (hey, they have unfinished business with The Elite, right?). As for Vinci, a fresh start on the indies or even a trip back to Europe could be in the cards.
Either way, WWE’s latest cuts show that no one’s spot is safe. One day you’re getting an entrance theme, the next, you’re getting an exit interview.