WWE cuts 10 NXT talent in September purge

Key points

• WWE released 10 NXT/Evolve talent on September 4, 2026, including Jasper Troy, PJ Vasa, Wendy Choo, Adriana Rizzo, Zena Sterling, Anya Rune, Braxton Cole, Gary Wilson, Ellen Akesson, and Marcus Brown (according to twnpnews.com).
• Jasper Troy, LFG Season 1 winner and former WWE Speed Champion, confirmed his release via a '30 Days' social media post; PWInsider's Mike Johnson verified the cut (according to Fightful and Cageside Seats).
• PJ Vasa, LFG Season 2 runner-up, also posted '30 Days' and thanked WWE for her development opportunity (according to f4wonline.com).
• No main roster talent were released in this round, though rumors circulate that some veterans may have contracts expire in October amid TKO Group pay-cut discussions (according to twnpnews.com and Cageside Seats).
• Troy's last NXT match was June 9, 2026, and his last Main Event appearance was August 27, 2026, where he lost to Akira Tozawa (according to Fightful).

Background

This release follows WWE's ongoing restructuring under TKO Group Holdings, which has been consolidating its developmental brands. In August 2026, WWE held contract signings and contender tournaments on RAW, signaling a focus on main roster stability. The September cuts align with industry-wide cost-cutting measures, similar to the NFL's 'cut day' referenced by Cageside Seats. Earlier in 2026, WWE had signed LFG winners to developmental contracts, making this the first major purge of that cohort.

How outlets are covering it

Fightful and Cageside Seats emphasize the confirmation of Troy's release and the broader 'cut day' framing, noting no main roster cuts. f4wonline.com highlights the emotional farewell from PJ Vasa and the pattern of LFG talent departures. twnpnews.com provides the full list of 10 released talent and connects the moves to TKO Group's financial strategy, including potential October main roster contract expirations. All sources agree on the 30-day non-compete period for NXT talent and the absence of main roster releases in this round.

Why it matters

The release of 10 developmental talent signals WWE's continued consolidation of its roster under TKO Group, prioritizing cost efficiency over long-term developmental investment. The departure of LFG winners like Troy and Vasa marks the end of a cycle for that talent pool, while rumors of October main roster contract expirations suggest further restructuring may follow. This move also reflects the broader industry trend of treating developmental rosters as disposable, with wrestlers often having limited career longevity in WWE's system.

What to watch

Expect further announcements regarding main roster contract expirations in October, as rumored by twnpnews.com. The 30-day non-compete period for released NXT talent will conclude by early October, potentially freeing them to sign with AEW, TNA, or independent promotions. WWE may also announce new developmental signings or restructure its Evolve and NXT brands in response to the cuts.