Backstage Update on WWE’s Recent Talent Releases, Cora Jade, Dakota Kai, & Shotzi Comments on Their Wrestling Career Futures

Backstage Update on WWE’s Recent Talent Releases

As noted before, Dakota Kai, Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Cora Jade, and Gigi Dolin were among 15 talents released from WWE this past Friday. Shotzi and Dani Palmer were revealed on Saturday to also have been released but in Shotzi’s case, her actual departure reason was due to her contract not being renewed.

Figthful Select reported that their sources stated that Palmer is unlikely to pursue a future in professional wrestling following her release from WWE. Palmer had mentioned in a tweet following her release that she was closing the book on her athletic career.

In regards to Shotzi, it was reported that Shotzi had prepared for her departure and had already filmed her emotional promo video that was posted on Twitter the day prior before her release was officially announced. Those close to Shotzi reportedly described her as being upbeat and forward-looking with plans for her next chapter of her career already taking shape.

In regards to Shotzi’s contract status, it was reported that Shozti’s non-compete clause is currently expected to expire sometime this spring or early summer and shorter than the typical 90-days period for main roster release terms.

In regards to the talents released by WWE this past weekend, it was reported that there is growing interest from other promotions in some of the recently released talent. Those within Major League Wrestling reportedly stated that the company currently has interest in several of the released talents but nothing has been finalized yet.

In regards to the key person responsible for the decision for the recent batch of talent releases, Sean Ross Sapp reported in a recent episode of the Fightful Podcast that WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque still has the final word when it comes to the decision for roster cuts in WWE despite online rumors and speculation to the contrary. Sapp stated “From what I was told, if he wants somebody to be there, they’re going to be there. Gonna be there. Let me be clear about that — if he wanted them there, they would be there. They would absolutely be there.”

WrestlePurists’ Ibou reported that his sources also confirmed that Levesque has the final say on any roster personnel decisions. Ibou reported that most non-injured wrestlers benched from WWE television are candidates for releases whenever it is time to cut talent salary in the company. Ibou reported that the main focus and priority is on profit margins and shareholder optics each quarter for the reason behind the timing of roster cuts in WWE. Ibou reported that Ari Emanuel and WWE President Nick Khan are the ones who make the decision on when to do roster cuts and Levesque is the one who decides who gets released. Levesque reportedly is also the main person in charge of the “actual WWE product, talent acquisitions, and cross-promotion business deals.”

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Cora Jade, Dakota Kai, & Shotzi Comments on Their Wrestling Career Futures

Following their recent releases from WWE, Cora Jade, Dakota Kai, and Shozti issued statements on Twitter about the future of their wrestling careers.

Jade stated:

“Dropping out of high school at 15 to chase my dreams was scary but I’m so thankful it worked out for the time that it did! I got to live out so many childhood dreams, go so many places, do so many things and most importantly I met some of the most important people in my life that I know l’ll have in my corner forever. Unfortunately it didn’t go how I envisioned and I’m disappointed by a lot of things but I can look back with no regrets and know I did everything with love and passion and always stood up for myself, even in the times I was scared. I’m proud of myself for that. With all that being said, TRUST that this is not the end and only my new beginning. I have a lot to say when the time is right. I have so many ideas and am excited for the future and to be able to show what I truly am capable of. Elayna Black is back from the dead bitches! See you in 30”

See you in 29 pic.twitter.com/xwO4AGUnL9

— Elayna Black (@CoraJadeWWE) May 3, 2025

Kai stated:

“Trying to get through all the messages and man, whether it’s from friends, family, colleagues, coaches, you guys… I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. That’s the stuff that matters. I got to make memories, create the best friendships and travel the world. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities.

Gonna take a little time but just know… we are far from done. I’ve BEEN ready. Let’s go

– king kota”

I hope you stay on this journey with me x pic.twitter.com/EE0xrgRMSA

— 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 🎮 (@ImKingKota) May 3, 2025

Shotzi stated:

“I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud.”

I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud. 💚

— Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) May 3, 2025