WWE Releases ID, EVOLVE & NXT Talents, Including Former Men's North American Champion
Following the news that Lance Anoa'i was departing WWE, it has emerged that an entire crop of talent from "WWE NXT," including two-time North American Champion Wes Lee, has also been released from the promotion.
Bodyslam has confirmed Wes Lee has been released by WWE
β Cory (@Cory_Hays407) October 11, 2025
Anoa'i confirmed his departure in a post on social media, and it had since been reported via BodySlam's Cory Hays and Fightful Select that the current round of departures extended to Lee, Stevie Turner, Jin Tala, Drako Knox, Haze Jameson, Summer Sorrell, Brayden "BJ" Ray, and Jamar Hampton. Ray recently announced he was having surgery; Hampton was in the news earlier this year after he objected to posthumous celebrations of Hulk Hogan following the Hall of Famer's death.
Many of the departures come from the extended developmental programs, with only Turner and Lee having spent a considerable time with the promotion. Turner in particular had been present on TV both as a co-Assistant General Manager with Robert Stone, and having been appointed the General Manager, self-styled as "Prime Minister," of "WWE Evolve." She also confirmed her departure via social media, writing: "My time with WWE has come to an end. I've had a brilliant time and I'm so excited for the future. See you soon!"
My time with @WWE has come to an end. I've had a brilliant time and I'm so excited for the future π see you soon!
β STEVIE TURNER (@StevieTurnerWWE) October 10, 2025
Knox, who had featured primarily under the name "Drake Starks" during Season One of "WWE LFG," also posted on social media to confirm his departure. He said that he was released from the company "effective immediately," thanking those he worked with at the Performance Center while saying he would be available for booking in 30 days time β per the standard with WWE developmental departures.
Effective immediately, I have been released from my contract with WWE.
I am thankful for every person and every day I spent in that PC. I give everything I have every single day for this business!
I will be available for bookings in 30 days.
Email: drakestarks.43@gmail.comβ Drako Knox (@drakowwe) October 10, 2025
Though not mentioned in initial reporting of the releases, Zara Zakher took to social media to announce her WWE ID deal had expired and she would be taking a step back from wrestling. With her included the total, at the time of writing, of releases on Friday came to 10.
As of today, my contract with WWE ID has expired, and I'll be taking a step back from wrestling. I'm so grateful for all the people I've met and everyone who's supported me. I don't know if or when I'll be back, but I'm hopeful for the future. β€οΈ
β Zara Zakher γΆγ©γ»γΆγ«γΌ (@zarazakher) October 10, 2025