In recent years it has happened more frequently, but the massive releases in WWE continue to shake the wrestling community unpleasantly. Vince Russo had a strong reaction to the cuts and explained how WWE is paying a high price for having a problematic system.
Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Cora Jade and many other stars were abruptly fired from their contracts, continuing a trend in WWE that began around the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nobody likes to see fighters lose their jobs, and even more, Vince Russo said World Wrestling Entertainment could be the one who suffers the most in this case.
During this week's episode BrodawnVince Russo broken down the company's model and how money is invested to discover and develop new talents in NXT.
There have been several examples, with Dakota Kai, being one of them, from WWE investing years in a NXT prospect before releasing them after they have spent time in the main roster.
Russo shared his views:
“At the end of the day, guys, this is a business, and they have to understand something. From the day someone enters Nxt and goes through the NXT system, and then climb to WWE, guys, do you know how many millions of dollars invest in the talent? Do you know how much money it costs to start someone without experience in NXT and take it through the system?” (From 15:10 onwards)
Vince Russo felt that there were too many cases of fighters who did not receive the time or the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential before being dismissed.
While WWE loses his investment every time a talent is released, Russo wanted someone from the promotion to assume responsibility for repeated failures to train development newbies in regular figures in RAW and SMackDown.
“So, my point is, every time they fire a Dakota Kai, every time they fire a Shayna Baszler, brother, you are pulling money for the drain. You have invested millions and millions of dollars and time on television in these people, and then you let them go. Who is the hell is responsible for that? How many mistakes until someone is responsible?” (15:53 - 17:00)
The wrestling industry, especially the independent scene, is thriving in 2025, and could offer many stars liberated an opportunity to revitalize their careers.
