Released WWE Superstar was set for main roster move ahead of recent departure - Reports

WWE has released another group of superstars in 2024. New details have just leaked from backstage on why a surprising name was let go by the company.

World Wrestling Entertainment parted ways with five wrestlers this past Friday during SmackDown. It was revealed today that another second-generation star was cut: Von Wagner. The son of former WWE and WCW star Wayne Bloom, aka Beau Beverly, signed with the company in March 2019 and has been on the NXT brand ever since.

Wagner worked a dozen main roster matches and was rumored for a call-up from NXT at various times in the last few years, so his departure came as a surprise to many. A new report from PWInsider indicates that Wagner's departure was a late decision.

Wagner was being discussed for a potential move to RAW or SmackDown as recently as last week. At one point, the 29-year-old was scheduled to be at this week's Draft edition of SmackDown, but it was later decided that he was not being brought in after all. Now we know the former college football player was released.

Wagner has not wrestled since the April 2 edition of NXT, when he was defeated by Lexis King in a six-minute match.

WWE stars reportedly joking about Jinder Mahal and Tony Khan

WWE released several wrestlers on Friday night during SmackDown: Jinder Mahal, Veer, Sanga, Xyon Quinn, and Xia Li.

The Modern Day Maharaja is the most surprising name on the list. New backstage details were recently revealed on Mahal's release and history with The Rock, and how he was seen internally. It was also reported that RAW and SmackDown stars were joking about how Mahal will be feuding with Tony Khan on AEW Dynamite this summer.

This chatter was making the rounds due to the very public drama between the AEW owner and the former WWE Champion that unfolded earlier this year.

Mahal revealed that he is already back in the gym training for the next step of his career. All talents released on Friday are under 90-day non-compete clauses with the Stamford-based company, which means they will be free to sign with any promotion after Thursday, July 18.