Real Reason Behind WWE’s Massive Post-WrestleMania Roster Cuts Revealed

TLDR

WWE's massive post-WrestleMania roster cuts, which have reportedly included 30 departures with 18 from the main roster alone, are part of a deliberate strategy according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer explained that the cuts are happening because TKO avoided large-scale releases in 2025 after taking over WWE and are now "catching up," while also balancing out NXT call-ups by removing a similar number of existing roster members and preparing for SmackDown's reduction to two hours at the end of May. Among the notable releases this year were The New Day, The Wyatt Sicks, Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, and Motor City Machine Guns.