WWE’s year-long restructuring has continued with another round of talent cuts.
John Morrison, Top Dolla, Ashante Adonis, Isaiah Swerve Scott, Tegan Nox, Drake Maverick, Shane Thorne and Jaxson Ryker are the latest names to be let go from the company.
The news was first reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.
Morrison, whose real name is John Michael Hennigan, is the biggest name from this round. He had previously been with WWE from 2002-2011, and returned to the company in 2019. Last year, Morrison and The Miz had a run as Smackdown tag-team champions.
Drake Maverick reacted to his release by posting a cinematic video that referenced the tearful video from the previous time he was released by WWE, in 2020, and gave himself a pep talk.
Isaiah Swerve Scott, who went by the name Shane Strickland before reaching WWE, posted a hip-hop video that exhibited confidence he will be “up to something”.
This is the second round of talent releases just this month by WWE. Previously, Ember Moon, Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, Mia Yim, Gran Metalik, Nia Jax, Lince Dorado, Jeet Rama, Katrina Cortez, Trey Baxter, Zayda Ramier, Jessi Kamea, B-Fab, Oney Lorcan, Franky Monet, Eva Marie and Scarlett Bordeaux were let go.
Despite WWE having record annual profits in 2020, the company has had several rounds of cuts in 2021 to both talent and behind-the-scenes workers. Previously this year, big name former champions like Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman were also released.