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For the second time in less than two months, WWE has sent shockwaves around the professional wrestling industry by making some surprising cuts to its talent roster.
It was only recently that WWE announced its latest raft of talent departures. Performers including Samoa Joe, Chelsea Green, The IIconics and Kalisto (among others) were let go by the company on April 15, much to the shock of fans.
On Wednesday, WWE culled its locker room once again.
As initially reported by Fightful, main roster superstars Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Ruby Riott, Lana and Buddy Murphy were all released from their contracts with the promotion. In addition, WWE has also parted ways with NXT performer Santana Garrett.
Although it is always sad to see talented men and women lose their jobs, we have seen many examples of performers going on to achieve great success after departing WWE. There has even been a report suggesting that a few of the individuals affected may have requested their own release - although no names were given.
The likes of reigning IMPACT Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo and current AEW TNT Champion Miro (Rusev in WWE) are proof of this. Both were released by WWE last April after months of doing very little, but quickly found their feet in other promotions.
Of course, all of the recently released talent will likely be subject to a no-compete clause in their WWE contracts. In the case of the main roster performers, this is typically 90 days long.
This means that all the superstars mentioned in this article should - at the latest - be free to sign with another promotion by the beginning of September.
The professional wrestling landscape has not been as rich in opportunities outside of WWE since WCW and ECW closed their doors in 2001. All of the talent mentioned in this article have fantastic ability and potential. As such, each can thrive following their WWE departures.
Here is a breakdown of where each of the main roster superstars released today might fit best moving forward.
#5 Former WWE Superstar Lana could join up with her husband in AEW
When Lana first came to the attention of WWE fans, it was as the 'Social Ambassador' of Rusev in NXT. The pair had fantastic chemistry on-screen, with The Ravishing Russian a major reason why Rusev connected with the audience so well after debuting on RAW in 2014.
It turned out that Lana and Rusev also had a great relationship behind the scenes as well. After several years of dating, the couple married in July 2016. They stayed associated with each other on television (either as allies or rivals) until Rusev was written off WWE television in February 2020. He was then released by WWE two months later.
In September 2020, the former WWE United States Champion debuted for AEW under his new name of Miro. After an underwhelming alliance with Kip Sabian came to an end earlier this year, The Best Man has really begun to find his stride as a monster heel in Tony Khan's promotion.
In truth, although she has played a babyface role in WWE recently, Lana's strongest work has always come as an arrogant heel, who believes she is better than everybody else.
When booked effectively by WWE, Lana and her husband made for great television. AEW can now recapture this dynamic for its own product. Realistically, fans never wanted to see the pair split in the first place.
It is easy to imagine Lana's first AEW appearance getting a massive reaction from the audience. It would be up to all involved to keep the momentum rolling from there.
Lana has put tremendous effort into improving her in-ring work over the last year too. Between these and her microphone skills, the real-life CJ Perry has major potential as a member of the All Elite roster. It is difficult to see her landing anywhere else following her WWE exit.
#4 Former WWE Superstar Ruby Riott would fit well in IMPACT Wrestling
After almost five years with WWE, Ruby Riott is free to pursue new opportunities in the world of professional wrestling.
The 11-year veteran, who spent much of her time in WWE as the leader of the Riott Squad alongside Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan, is a highly-accomplished performer in the ring. While she will no doubt be an asset wherever she winds up, IMPACT Wrestling seems an ideal next destination for the 30-year-old.
Prior to joining WWE, Riott earned a glowing reputation on the independent scene (under the name Heidi Lovelace) for her ability to have great matches with a wide variety of opponents. Having been part of a unit for so much of her WWE run, Riott rarely got to showcase her full range of skills.
Against the likes of Jordynne Grace, Rosemary and Deonna Purazzo in IMPACT Wrestling, Riott would have the opportunity to put on quality solo bouts regularly. IMPACT, of course, also has an established women's tag team division, which Riott could slot into seamlessly.
IMPACT can benefit hugely by recruiting Ruby Riott.
#3 Former WWE Superstar Buddy Murphy should sign with New Japan Pro Wrestling
He may have parted ways with WWE, but Buddy Murphy remains one of the most talented performers in the professional wrestling industry.
The 32-year-old Australian has referred to himself for years now as the Best Kept Secret in WWE. Following his release, he now has the opportunity to showcase his abilities around the world, without restriction.
A deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling makes a lot of sense for Murphy and his style. The promotion has a presence in the US market with its NJPW Strong television show and has also proven it is open to its performers working for other companies. Lio Rush's recent appearance at AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view is evidence of this.
If Murphy can negotiate the right deal, then a link-up with New Japan could make a lot of sense for him. A contract that allows him to make occasional appearances for the likes of MLW and IMPACT Wrestling when he is not performing for NJPW would offer Murphy the best of all worlds.
An exceptional performer who has been held back for far too long, it would be great to see Murphy allowed to work to his full potential.
#2 Former WWE Superstar Aleister Black should sign with AEW
When he returned on SmackDown less than two weeks ago, it seemed all the long-running speculation over the WWE future of Aleister Black could be put to bed.
Black had been absent from the promotion since late 2020, with many suggesting he was unhappy with WWE over the release of his wife Zelina Vega in November.
With rumors of Vega being on the verge of rejoining WWE, though, the parties looked to have patched up their differences.
The 36-year-old Black made his first appearance in a WWE arena in more than seven months when he attacked Big E during the main event of the May 21 show. The company, it seemed, had big plans for him.
Fast forward just 12 days and Black is gone from the company. Truthfully, the Dutchman would be an asset to any promotion on the planet moving forward. Both New Japan and IMPACT Wrestling could offer him a great new home.
However, with Black and his wife already residing in Orlando, Florida, the relatively short trip to Jacksonville is likely to appeal.
Renowned for his striking offense, Black would be a fantastic fit for AEW. There are numerous exciting matches for him up and down the All Elite roster. Clashes with the likes of Pac, Jon Moxley, Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega would be must-see.
There is also the very intriguing prospect of Black having some form of involvement with Sting in AEW. Both men are known for their mysterious, brooding characters, and interactions between the pair would make for some compelling television.
#1 AEW is the most likely destination for former WWE Superstar Braun Strowman
Signed to the promotion since 2013, WWE is the only professional wrestling company that Braun Strowman has ever called home.
Throughout his time on the WWE main roster, Strowman has more often than not been a featured player. The mammoth 37-year-old was handpicked to face (and defeat) Shane McMahon in a Steel Cage match at WrestleMania 37.
He was also a participant in a Triple Threat bout for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania Backlash just a few weeks ago. To say that his release is shocking is an understatement.
However, when it comes to the most likely next destination for Braun, one company stands out above all others. The former Universal Champion is unlikely to come cheap, particularly after spending years in the main event picture for WWE - making AEW the only other company with enough resources to afford him.
Tony Khan has already recently admitted that the Jacksonville-based promotion requires more talent as it continues to expand. Having shared the ring with every major WWE star of the last five years, Strowman is soon to become one of the biggest free agents on the market.
Over the past few months, AEW has already signed a couple of legendary big men in Paul Wight and Mark Henry. There is potential for Strowman to work storylines with both. Henry, in particular, has gone on record as saying that he would like to have one more match before he retires. Could Braun Strowman now be the man that Henry faces in that bout?
Elsewhere on the AEW roster, Strowman might work well with Wardlow and Luchasaurus, in addition to the likes of MJF, Jake Hager, Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho.
There are some intriguing possibilities for Strowman in AEW.
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