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Rusev will face WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta in a match on the April 27 edition of Raw. Rusev stated that he is fighting for the Intercontinental Title, calling it "the thing that matters the most to me."
Kairi Sane's WWE release reportedly caused major shock and frustration backstage, as she was actively involved in a storyline with Asuka and IYO Sky that will not reach its planned conclusion. According to Fightful Select, sources indicated there was surprise within the company about the timing of her departure and frustration that the story was cut before any real payoff. Fans have pushed the hashtag #WeWantKairi to #2 trending on Twitter, with Asuka publicly showing support for Sane following her departure.
WWE's April 24, 2026 roster cuts affecting both main roster and NXT talent were primarily made to create space for incoming performers expected to debut soon, according to Fightful Select sources. The releases were also influenced by possible changes to WWE programming, including the potential reduction of SmackDown to two hours. Released talent remains under contract during the notice period, with main roster wrestlers bound for 90 days and NXT talent for 30 days, and additional NXT departures are tied to new Performance Center signings expected to be announced.
WWE released approximately 25 wrestlers on April 24, 2026, with Triple H, Nick Khan and WWE talent relations serving as the primary decision makers rather than TKO corporate leadership as many had speculated. According to Fightful Select, talent had sensed the cuts were coming throughout the week, with several wrestlers being informed of their releases around 5 PM ET on Friday before the news became public.
Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42 to reclaim the Women's World Champion in a match that was shorter than many fans expected, featuring interference from Roxanne Perez and Morgan winning after sending Vaquer into the steel steps before hitting her finisher. According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, the match's brief runtime was due to strict production timing constraints rather than injury concerns, as Morgan wrestled a longer 12-minute match shortly after WrestleMania. Sapp clarified that all performers were working within fixed time limits given to them by WWE production.
Rusev posted a video message on Twitter calling out Penta ahead of their singles match on the April 27 WWE RAW, stating he's been waiting for a one-on-one opportunity and believes his size, strength and aggression will give him the advantage. Rusev said he's fighting for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and wants to represent his fans as champion, ending his message with "Rusev crush."
WWE Hall of Famer and LFG coach Bubba Ray Dudley stated he gives no advice to developmental talents who have been released by WWE, saying "they're gone." Dudley shared his stance on working with former WWE developmental wrestlers who were let go by the company.
WWE personnel are reportedly "questioning the point" of the LFG (Legends & Future Greats) show following the release of Tyra Mae Steele.
Bubba Ray Dudley praised Kevin Owens' coaching abilities on WWE LFG Season 3, highlighting Owens' patience and communication style when working with developing talent. Bubba Ray noted that while previous seasons featured legendary figures like The Undertaker, Mickie James, and Michelle McCool, Owens brings a unique perspective as an active WWE performer who can teach what works in the company right now. WWE LFG Season 3 premiered on April 26, continuing the show's format of giving aspiring wrestlers a chance to compete for a WWE contract.
Jerry Lawler admitted during an appearance on the Not Sam podcast that Taz was upset over jokes he made about the wrestler's size during WWE commentary. Lawler acknowledged that some of his commentary remarks crossed the line and created real tension with wrestlers, though he said he and Taz were ultimately able to move past the situation. The WWE Hall of Famer reflected that while his goal was to connect with the audience, some wrestlers took his on-air comments more personally than intended.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven have commented on their WWE stablemate Alba Fyre being released by the company. The release leaves Green and Niven without their former stable partner.
Jerry "The King" Lawler compared the fan backlash against Pat McAfee's WrestleMania involvement to the heat Andy Kaufman received when he entered wrestling decades ago as an outsider. Speaking on the Notsam Wrestling podcast during WrestleMania weekend, Lawler agreed that McAfee's situation is similar to how Kaufman was able to convince fans he didn't belong in wrestling despite being a major wrestling fan. Lawler also revealed that Kaufman initially pitched his wrestling idea to Vince McMahon Sr., wanting to wrestle women from the audience in front of wrestling crowds, but McMahon Sr. turned down the idea because he didn't want to mix Hollywood personalities with wrestling at the time.