WWE, a powerhouse in sports entertainment, has made several unexpected moves that will alter the landscape of its television programming. According to reports from Fightful and other outlets, WWE recently parted ways with five prominent Raw/SmackDown talents, signaling a major shift in its current roster. These wrestlers were either issued 90-day notices or informed that their contracts would not be renewed, leading to their departure from the company.
Shayna Baszler: A “What If” Story
Shayna Baszler, a former UFC fighter, has often been seen as one of WWE’s most underutilized talents, making her one of the biggest “what ifs” in the company’s history. After an impressive run in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, where she dominated her competition and became a two-time NXT Women’s Champion, many fans and analysts expected her to transition smoothly into the main roster. However, despite her strong performances, former WWE creative head Vince McMahon never fully supported pushing her on Raw and SmackDown.
For years, Baszler found herself stuck in less-than-ideal storylines, where she was unable to tap into her full potential. After McMahon’s departure and the shift to Triple H’s creative direction, things began to look up for the “Queen of Spades.” In 2023, Baszler was involved in a heated feud with Ronda Rousey, which reignited interest in her character. But just as things seemed to be turning around, WWE creative failed to capitalize on her momentum, and Baszler’s story fizzled out.
In 2024 and 2025, Baszler appeared regularly on Monday Night Raw, forming a faction known as the Pure Fusion Collective alongside Zoey Stark and the now-former WWE star Sonya Deville. Despite the faction’s potential, Baszler, who once seemed primed for a major push, has once again found herself at a crossroads. Her exit from WWE marks the end of a promising chapter that could have rewritten her legacy, leaving fans wondering what could have been if the company had fully embraced her.
Dakota Kai: A Shocking Departure
Another surprise departure came in the form of Dakota Kai, a wrestler whose release a few years ago left fans in shock. Kai was brought back into the fold under Triple H’s leadership, joining the Damage CTRL faction, which also included Bayley and IYO SKY. With her high-flying, hard-hitting style and distinct character, Kai quickly became a fan favorite, and her return was seen as a bright spot for WWE’s women’s division.
Despite a few setbacks due to injuries, Kai maintained a prominent presence on Raw and was even involved in key storylines, including a notable run for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship in 2025. Her departure is a bitter disappointment, particularly given her potential. With IYO SKY currently holding the WWE Women’s World Championship, the future of Damage CTRL is now uncertain, as the faction’s remaining members—Asuka and Kairi Sane—are sidelined due to injuries.
While her time in WWE wasn’t without its ups and downs, Kai’s exit marks the end of a chapter that saw her grow as a wrestler and performer. Her unexpected release also raises questions about the future of women’s factions in WWE and whether the company will continue to push newer talent or revert to older, more established names.
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