# WWE Purge: Massive Roster Cuts Follow WrestleMania 42 – Wyatt Sicks, Kairi Sane, and More Released
In what has become a somber post-WrestleMania tradition, WWE has executed a massive round of roster cuts. On Friday, April 24, 2026, reports from *Fightful Select*, *PWInsider*, and *F4WOnline* confirmed a significant "spring cleaning" that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.
At least 25 talents across both the main roster and NXT were informed that they were being released or that their contracts would not be renewed. From veteran champions to blue-chip prospects, here is the full breakdown of the fallout from the April 2026 WWE releases.
## 1. The Shocking Dissolution of The Wyatt Sicks
Perhaps the most unexpected move of the day was the release of the entire **Wyatt Sicks** faction. The group, which debuted in 2024 as a deeply personal tribute to the late Bray Wyatt, has been a fixture of WWE programming. The cuts include **Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy)**, **Nikki Cross (Abby the Witch)**, **Dexter Lumis**, **Joe Gacy**, and **Erick Rowan**.
The group had recently finished a high-profile, long-term program with Solo Sikoa on *SmackDown*. Nikki Cross, a 10-year veteran of the company, took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm her departure, expressing gratitude for her decade-long journey with the promotion.
## 2. Power Couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega Exit
The "purge" did not spare the midcard's most prominent stars. Real-life married couple **Aleister Black** and **Zelina Vega** were both released.
Black, who made a triumphant return to WWE in 2025 following a run in AEW, had been a featured player in a rivalry with Damian Priest. However, creative frustrations surfaced when he was reportedly pulled from the WrestleMania 42 card to accommodate a celebrity segment. Vega, a former Queen of the Ring and Women’s United States Champion, confirmed the news to her fans during a live Twitch stream shortly after the reports surfaced.
## 3. Kairi Sane Released Amidst Damage CTRL Storyline
In a move that has left many fans baffled, **Kairi Sane** is no longer with WWE. Since her return in late 2023, Sane has been a vital part of the women's tag team division, recently holding the titles for a third time with Asuka as part of the Kabuki Warriors.
Given her integral role in the ongoing "Damage CTRL Civil War" storyline, her release is being viewed as one of the most significant creative losses of this round of cuts.
## 4. Short Tenure for the Motor City Machine Guns
Despite the massive hype surrounding their signing in late 2024, legendary tag team **Alex Shelley** and **Chris Sabin** have been let go.
The Motor City Machine Guns had an explosive start in WWE, capturing the WWE Tag Team Championships within weeks of their arrival. However, after losing the gold to #DIY in December 2025, the duo struggled to find a consistent spot on television, leading to their eventual release this Friday.
## 5. Major Cuts at NXT: Andre Chase and Santos Escobar
The "spring cleaning" hit the NXT brand particularly hard. **Andre Chase**, the beloved leader of Chase U, posted a heartfelt video confirming his departure. Chase noted that while he was told he "would never make it to TV" when he first signed, he was proud to have proven the doubters wrong through his connection with the fans.
Other major NXT names released include:
* **Santos Escobar:** The former Cruiserweight Champion and leader of Legado del Fantasma.
* **Dante Chen**
* **Malik Blade**
* **Luca Crusifino**
## 6. Olympic Gold Medalist Tyra Mae Steele Let Go
In a move that signals a potential shift in WWE’s developmental scouting strategy, **Tyra Mae Steele (Tamyra Mensah-Stock)** was released.
The 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist was signed in 2023 with immense expectations, viewed as the next "blue-chip" crossover star. Her departure suggests that WWE may be re-evaluating how they handle high-profile NIL (Next In Line) athletes who have not yet transitioned to the main roster.
## 7. Additional Main Roster Departures
Several other established names were included in Friday’s list:
* **Zoey Stark:** A shocking cut, considering she had just been cleared to return from a major knee injury.
* **Alba Fyre:** The former NXT UK standout was most recently seen as part of Chelsea Green’s "Secret Hervice" faction.
* **Apollo Crews:** A veteran presence and former Intercontinental Champion, Crews ends an 11-year run with the company.
## Summary of the April 2026 Release List
**Main Roster:**
Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Santos Escobar, Apollo Crews, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre.
**NXT/Developmental:**
Andre Chase, Dante Chen, Tyra Mae Steele, Malik Blade, Luca Crusifino, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe, Chris Island, Sirena Linton, and Trill London.
***
### What’s Next?
The wrestling landscape has shifted overnight. With names like the Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and the Motor City Machine Guns now free agents, the "Wednesday Night Wars" or the TNA landscape could be about to get very interesting.
**Which release surprised you the most? Do you think WWE made a mistake letting go of the Wyatt Sicks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!**
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