WWE: Reason for Wes Lee’s WWE Release, Current Backstage Backlash Over Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return, Brayden “BJ” Ray on His WWE Release

Oct 17, 2025

Reason for Wes Lee’s WWE Release

As noted before, NXT talent Wes Lee, real name Deveon Aichens, was released from WWE last Friday as part of a larger batch of talent releases.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the reason for Lee’s release was due to WWE officials had felt that after five years in their developmental system, they were never going to use him on the main roster.

Prior his departure, Lee had been with WWE since December of 2020.

Current Backstage Backlash Over Brock Lesnar’s WWE Return

As noted before, Brock Lesnar made his surprise return to WWE at this past August’s WWE’s SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 event in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Lesnar’s return had sparked internal backlash when it happened. Meltzer reported that some women on WWE’s staff expressed their frustration with one female staff describing feeling “disgusted” in private conversations over it.

Meltzer reported that while Lesnar’s surprise appearance did receive a positive live reaction in the building, several members of WWE’s production team felt that the momentum did not carry over beyond the first week. Several people within WWE reportedly viewed his in-ring promo segment with R-Truth as being embarrassing and not beneficial to the overall product.

Meltzer also reported that there was no internal discussion among staff about the ongoing Vince McMahon sex trafficking lawsuit or the allegations surrounding Lesnar following his return.

Brayden “BJ” Ray Comments on His WWE Release

As noted before, WWE LFG and WWE EVOLVE talent Brayden “BJ” Ray was released from WWE last Friday as part of a larger batch of talent releases.

Ray recently reflected on Twitter about his release from WWE.

WHAT A JOURNEY 🙌
Well obviously I had to have pissed somebody off lmao!
I would like to take this moment to address you guys as Brayden Jesse Ray. First and foremost, I have to give the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ, who had given me this opportunity. Secondly, I would like to thank Hunter, Shawn, & Matt Bloom (as well as all the @WWE coaches & staff) that were involved with this entire process. The WWE Performance Center is truly a unique place filled with many gifted individuals and unlimited support.
As soon as I stepped out of my uber at my WWE tryout, the SexyBJRay effect was in full play. I had a strategy upon filming WWE: NEXT GEN, to start building one of the most over exaggerated versions of myself, to give the wrestling industry a HEEL like they’ve never seen before. And quite frankly, it arguably was one of the greatest rookie runs of all time. In a matter of months, whether hate or love, I won the WWE fans over and they were extremely invested. Without ever having a debut match on live @WWENXT tv, I have become one of the most recognized names in the brand and industry. From getting swarmed at WWE World in Las Vegas to taking pictures with fans in every airport I walk into, I have been able to build a movement with my hard work and dedication. The hours behind the scenes, editing social media content, training, and reflecting on my character work, I feel it has all payed off.
There have been many challenges along the way, but I can only control what I can only control. Obviously this release is a big bummer (especially when you have no idea what you could have done different), but the only option in my opinion is an attitude of gratitude. All I can do is keep pushing, & put it in God’s hands. I’m healing strong and will continue to rehab my shoulder until I’m 100%. And the biggest SHOUTOUT & THANKS to my fans who made it all worthwhile.
And now, Brayden Jesse Ray is back on sabbatical and SexyBJRay has a few words. As my good friend @TheNotoriousMMA once said, “I’d like to take this chance to apologize to absolutely nobody”. What you’ve seen was just the trailer… get ready for the whole movie 🍿
and p.s. “Ayo you got Snapchat?”