The recent weeks have seen a flurry of releases from WWE, with a number of talented wrestlers leaving the Stamford-based promotion. The likes of Gable Steveson, Drew Gulak, and Xia Li have parted ways with WWE, leaving fans wondering what’s next for these talented performers.
One name that has been making headlines is Drew Gulak, who was released from WWE in May 2024. Despite reports of misconduct, WWE’s Triple H revealed that Gulak’s contract simply wasn’t renewed. With an eight-year run in WWE under his belt, Gulak’s in-ring skills would be a valuable addition to any promotion. A potential return to the indie circuit or a move to AEW’s Ring of Honor brand could be on the cards for Gulak, where he could join forces with old friends like Daniel Bryan and Claudio Castagnoli.
Another recent release is Gable Steveson, the Olympic gold medalist who failed to make an impact in WWE. With only 17 matches under his belt, Steveson may benefit from a fresh start in AEW, where he could learn from veterans like Don Callis and Chris Jericho. A heel turn could be in the works for Steveson, allowing him to tap into his natural charisma and blossom into a top performer.
Jinder Mahal, who was released earlier this year, could find himself at odds with HOOK in AEW, following a public feud on Twitter. Alternatively, Mahal could bring his championship pedigree to Impact Wrestling, where he could challenge Moose for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Cameron Grimes, who was also released from WWE, has already secured a booking with Elevation Pro Wrestling and could be heading back to Impact Wrestling, where he previously competed as Trevor Lee. The North Carolina native has a wealth of experience and could quickly find himself in the main event scene, challenging for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Xia Li, who wrestled in WWE from 2017 to 2024, may find her next home in Impact Wrestling, where she could become a Knockouts Champion and finally win her first title in professional wrestling. Meanwhile, Mickie James, who currently holds various roles in Ohio Valley Wrestling, could consider signing a WWE legends deal, allowing her to make special appearances and retain her creative control over OVW.
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see where these talented performers end up next. With options like AEW, Impact Wrestling, and the indie circuit, the future is bright for these recently released WWE talent.
