WWE’s Surprise Cut of Active Talent Wendy Choo Stuns Performance Center

Key points

• WWE released ten individuals, including wrestlers Wendy Choo, PJ Vasa, and Jasper Troy, as well as non-wrestling staff Ellen Akesson and Marcus Brown.
• Wendy Choo was still active on Evolve and LFG, having held the Evolve Women’s Championship until losing to Nikkita Lyons on June 24, 2026.
• Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez reported that the Performance Center was shocked by Choo’s release, as she was not considered a forgotten or inactive name.
• Adriana Rizzo and Ellen Akesson issued public farewell statements, with Rizzo citing injuries and Akesson expressing gratitude for her six-month tenure.
• This is the second large-scale developmental cut in 2026, following an April 24 reduction that included Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, and Nikki Cross.

Background

WWE has undergone significant roster adjustments in 2026, with the first major cut occurring after WrestleMania. The company has also faced challenges in cross-promotional events, such as the AAA/NXT Texas double-header in September, where crowd reactions influenced future booking strategies. Additionally, WWE has managed title vacancies due to injuries, such as Rhea Ripley’s knee issue, which led to an interim women’s title match at SummerSlam.

How outlets are covering it

Ringside News and Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez emphasized the surprise nature of Wendy Choo’s release, noting that she was still actively used in multiple roles. Bleacher Report and Fightful provided the full list of ten released talents, highlighting the mix of wrestlers and non-wrestling staff. Cageside Seats focused on the personal reactions of Adriana Rizzo and Ellen Akesson, detailing their farewell messages and the impact of injuries on Rizzo’s career. The outlets differ in focus, with some highlighting the internal shock and others detailing the broader roster cuts or individual responses.

Why it matters

The release of active talent like Wendy Choo signals WWE’s ongoing efforts to streamline its developmental roster, even for performers who are still contributing to shows and training. This move may impact the future of other developmental talents and reflect WWE’s strategy in managing its talent pool amid financial and competitive pressures.

What to watch

WWE will likely continue to evaluate its developmental roster, potentially leading to further cuts or adjustments. The released talents may seek opportunities in other promotions or independent circuits, while WWE may focus on integrating remaining developmental talent into its main roster or other shows.