“Shake-up in the WWE: Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali and More Sent Packing”

WWE releases former champions and talented superstars in major layoffs

Introduction

WWE, which recently merged with UFC into TKO Group Holdings, has announced its first major round of layoffs since the merger. This comes as no surprise, as reports had suggested that up to 100 positions would be eliminated as a result. The layoffs include several high-profile employees, including former champions and long-time talent with the company. In this report, we will provide a detailed list of the stars who have been let go and discuss the impact of these releases on the wrestling industry.

The List of Released Stars

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler, one of the longest-tenured stars with WWE, has been released from the company. Ziggler, who joined in 2004 as part of the Spirit Squad, spent nearly 20 years in WWE, winning several titles and being part of popular feuds. His biggest moment came in 2013 when he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to become World Heavyweight Champion. Ziggler was a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and recently held the NXT Championship.

Shelton Benjamin

Longtime star Shelton Benjamin has also been released from WWE. Benjamin, who was a WWE Tag Team, United States, and Intercontinental Champion in the 2000s, returned to WWE in 2017 and primarily competed as a tag team specialist. He was recently part of The Hurt Business with Cedric Alexander.

Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali, known for his high-flying style and incredible athleticism, has posted on social media that he is no longer with WWE. Ali had been with the company since debuting in the Cruiserweight Classic in 2016 and had notable stints on “Raw,” “Smackdown,” “205 Live,” and NXT. He was recently scheduled to face Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American Championship at NXT No Mercy.

Elias

Elias, known for his singer persona and guitar-playing antics, has announced his release from WWE. Elias joined NXT in 2014 and was promoted to the main roster in 2017. He had memorable moments with John Cena at WrestleMania 35 and The Undertaker the following night. Elias returned to his Elias character in October 2022 after portraying his “brother” Ezekiel, driving Kevin Owens crazy in a comedic storyline.

Emma and Riddick Moss

Emma, an Australian-born wrestler, announced that she has been let go from WWE. Emma, who had previously been released in 2017, returned to the company in 2022 and had a notable feud with Ronda Rousey for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Emma’s fiancé, Riddick Moss, also announced his departure from WWE. Moss started with the company in 2014 and was notably involved in a feud with Baron Corbin.

Aliyah

Aliyah, who had been with WWE since 2015, announced that she is no longer with the company. She spent over five years in NXT before making appearances on “Smackdown” in 2021. Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in 2022 but lost it two weeks later.

Dana Brooke

Dana Brooke, who had been with WWE for 10 years, has also been released. Brooke joined NXT in 2013 and competed on all WWE shows, frequently contending for women’s titles. She captured the 24/7 Championship 15 times and recently returned to NXT before her release.

Rick Boogs

Rick Boogs, known for his rockstar persona and guitar-playing, has been released from WWE. Boogs rose to prominence on the main roster in 2021 as he played the guitar for the entrance of Shinsuke Nakamura. He teamed with Nakamura for a tag team title shot at WrestleMania 38 but suffered a major injury that sidelined him for nine months.

Top Dolla

Top Dolla, a member of the Hit Row faction, has been let go by WWE. Top Dolla returned to the company in 2022 after being released the year prior but has now been let go again.

Dabba-Kato

Dabba-Kato, a Nigerian-Polish star, has left WWE. Dabba-Kato signed with the company in 2016 and was part of the short-lived “Raw Underground.” He then appeared as Commander Azeez alongside Apollo Crews at WrestleMania 37 before moving to NXT prior to his release.

Mace and Mansoor

The team formerly known as Maximum Male Models, Mace and Mansoor, have been let go by WWE. Mace announced their release on social media. The duo were part of a group alongside Maxxine Dupri and LA Knight before they left. Mace and Mansoor last appeared in May.

Shanky

Shanky, a 7-foot star, has been released from WWE. Debuting in 2021, Shanky formed an alliance with Jinder Mahal and Veer. He was known for his dancing and had his final match at the Superstar Spectacle two weeks ago.

Quincy Elliott

NXT star Quincy Elliott has announced on Instagram that he is no longer with WWE. He joined the company in 2021.

Bryson Montana

NXT star Bryson Montana has announced that his run with WWE has come to an end. Montana debuted in May 2022.

Yuliya Leon

NXT star Yuliya Leon has been let go from WWE. Leon’s release was reported by Fightful.

Editorial and Discussion

The release of these stars signifies a major shake-up in WWE and raises questions about the company’s direction going forward. Dolph Ziggler’s departure, in particular, is notable, as he was one of the most recognizable and respected stars in the company. Ziggler’s presence will be sorely missed, as he provided fans with countless memorable matches and feuds over the years.

Shelton Benjamin’s release is also significant, as he was a well-established veteran and a former champion. Benjamin’s athleticism and technical skills made him a standout performer, and his absence will leave a void in WWE‘s roster.

Mustafa Ali’s departure is a loss for the company, as he was known for his incredible in-ring ability and captivating storytelling. Ali’s high-flying style and underdog persona resonated with fans, and he will be missed in both the cruiserweight and main roster divisions.

The releases of Emma, Riddick Moss, and Aliyah further add to the list of talented performers let go by WWE. These individuals had shown great potential and had memorable moments during their time with the company. Their departures highlight the challenges faced by wrestlers in a highly competitive industry.

WWE‘s decision to release these stars may be a strategic move to refresh the roster and create opportunities for new talent. However, it also raises concerns about the stability of the company and the impact of the merger with UFC. The layoffs of long-time talent and former champions indicate a shift in the company’s priorities and a reevaluation of its direction.

Advice for Released Stars

To the released stars, it is important to remember that this is not the end of your careers. The wrestling industry is full of opportunities, and your talent and passion will continue to be recognized. Take this time to reflect on your journey so far, evaluate your goals, and explore new avenues.

Consider reaching out to other wrestling promotions, both large and independent, to showcase your skills and continue doing what you love. Connect with promoters, fellow wrestlers, and fans to stay engaged and informed about upcoming opportunities.

Furthermore, utilize social media and the online wrestling community to build your brand and connect with fans. Engage with your supporters, share updates about your career, and consider creating your own content to showcase your unique personality and skills.

Finally, remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of any career. Use this experience as an opportunity for personal growth and development. Stay positive, stay hungry, and never lose sight of your passion for professional wrestling.

Conclusion

The release of these talented wrestlers from WWE marks a significant turning point for the company and the wrestling industry as a whole. While it is a challenging time for the released stars, it also presents an opportunity for them to explore new paths and pursue their passion elsewhere.

Ultimately, the impact of these releases will be felt not only by the affected wrestlers but also by the fans and the future of WWE. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important for wrestling promotions to adapt and find the right balance between established talent and emerging stars.