The WWE Releases of 2023
It's always a newsworthy day in the world of wrestling when a WWE talent gets their walking papers from their employer and wished well in their "future endeavors." Last year, wrestling new sites and the social media timelines of wrestling fans worldwide were bombarded with news of major WWE releases, such as Samoa Joe, Shane McMahon, Cesaro, Mandy Rose, and a bunch of other notable male/female superstars. While the change in regime and power structure within WWE has led to massive rehirings (which is such a rarity in the company's usual talent scouting process!), there have still been some shocking releases that have caught plenty of fans off guard at their announcements. So let's get right into it and recount the WWE releases of 2023.
RELATED: The WWE Releases of 2022
1. Sasha Banks
Image credit: WWE
Released in 2022, But Made Her WWE Exit Public in 2023
The backstage news of former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out during the May 16, 2022, episode of Raw hit the web and had everyone in shock and awe at what took place. Both women reportedly relinquished the titles and walked away from WWE due to creative differences with Vince McMahon. WWE's official statement regarding their walkout noted that they both "walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis' office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk and walked out."
Due to their actions, both Sasha and Naomi were suspended from WWE soon after. It was later reported that negotiations over compensation for Sasha had fallen through during the summer of 2022 and that she was completely done with the company. Then on January 1, 2023, Sasha Banks made her much-anticipated debut under the new moniker of "Mercedes Moné" as a member of the New Japan Pro Wrestling women's roster at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. When it comes to the WWE releases of 2023, Sasha's exit from the company is the most mindblowing.
2. Naomi
Image credit: WWE
Released in 2022, But Made Her WWE Exit Public in 2023
As we mentioned beforehand, Naomi walked out with Sasha Banks in 2023 over creative differences regarding the booking of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. After months and months of speculation back in 2022, Naomi finally dropped the news of her official WWE release in 2023 when she basically responded to a fan on an Instagram post to let them know she was no longer with the company.
3. Sarray
Image credit: WWE
News of Her Release Cirulated on March 9, While Her Confirmation of the News Came on March 13
Sarray, who mainly competed under WWE's developmental banner NXT while she was with the company, took her permanent leave of absence due to creative frustrations over the direction of her character. It was announced that she is set to make her return to her homeland of Japan in May of 2023.
4. Goldberg
Image credit: WWE
Contract Expired on March 20
To the surprise of many, it was announced that Goldberg's WWE contract had expired on March 20 and was not renewed by the company.
5. Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid (The Dyad)
Image credit: WWE
Released on April 3
The tag team of Rip Fowler and Jagger Reid (The Dyad), who once competed under the names of Zack Gibson & James Drake as the Grizzled Young Veterans, reportedly requested their release from their WWE contracts and were granted them.
