All 10 Superstars Released By WWE In September 2023
In an unexpected and far-reaching move, WWE announced in September 2023, the release of 10 superstars from their contracts. This staggering decision comes in the wake of WWE’s recent merger with UFC, leading industry insiders to speculate that the wrestling behemoth is looking to slim down its roster as a cost-saving measure. While such releases are not entirely uncommon in the world of professional wrestling, the level of talent let go is certainly surprising, sending waves throughout the WWE Universe and beyond.
List of 10 superstars released in September:
- Mustafa Ali
- Emma
- Elias
- Top Dolla
- Rick Boogs
- Riddick Moss
- Aliyah
- Shelton Benjamin
- Dolph Ziggler
- Tenille Dashwood
Among the most seasoned talents released were Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin. Ziggler, whose tenure with WWE spanned over 15 years, was a multiple-time champion and a fixture in some of the company’s most memorable storylines. His ring work and charisma made him a perennial favorite among fans. Shelton Benjamin, another versatile and gifted athlete, was with WWE for over a decade, earning several championship reigns of his own. Their experience and ability to mentor younger talent will be sorely missed, and the void left by their departures raises questions about WWE’s future creative directions.
Aliyah, a women’s division talent who has been with WWE for six years, was also among those released. Her disappearance from WWE programming since her tag team match in August 2022 had already raised eyebrows, and her release adds to the attrition in the women’s roster. Emma, another female superstar, who initially joined WWE in 2011 and returned in 2022 after a hiatus, was also let go. Despite her talents, Emma was never given a strong push in her latest stint with WWE, most notably suffering a loss to Ronda Rousey.
Adding to the intrigue was the release of Top Dolla, a charismatic figure from WWE’s developmental territory, NXT. Top Dolla, the leader of the Hit Row stable, had quickly gained traction with fans due to his robust personality and in-ring prowess. Another up-and-coming talent, Rick Boogs, was known for his guitar skills and engaging entrances. Boogs had been on the sidelines for the past nine months due to injury but was expected to make a full return. His tag team appearance with Shinsuke Nakamura against The Usos at WrestleMania 38 was a highlight that showcased his potential.
Riddick Moss, Mustafa Ali, and Tennisan round out the list of superstars released. Moss and Ali had been making steady contributions to the mid-card and had amassed a considerable following. Tennisan, a lesser-known figure, was also among those cut. After the release from WWE, Mustafa Ali also tweeted that he is no longer under the WWE Contract. Ali was already scheduled to compete on September 30, 2023, on the NXT No Mercy live event. Mustafa Ali was now a No.1 contender for the North American Championship. He was to challenge Dominik Mysterio on the No Mercy live event.
The abrupt release of such a high number of popular and skilled superstars has elicited a myriad of reactions from the WWE Universe. While some fans are shocked and dismayed at the decision, believing it to be a grave misstep, others are more pragmatic, acknowledging that the wrestling business is ever-evolving. They argue that WWE must have its reasons for the dramatic roster shifts, particularly following the UFC merger, even if those reasons are not immediately clear to the public.
This mass exodus from WWE is bound to have ripple effects. Beyond the impact on weekly programming and pay-per-view events, there’s the immediate question of what’s next for the released superstars. For many, AEW (All Elite Wrestling), WWE’s main competitor, is the most likely destination. AEW has been gaining momentum and could benefit enormously from an influx of proven talents. Alternatively, some of these wrestlers may opt for smaller promotions or even international ventures to continue their in-ring careers. Retirement could also be on the cards for those who have had lengthy tenures in the industry.
What remains certain is that the landscape of professional wrestling has been altered, perhaps irreversibly, by WWE’s decision to release these 10 superstars. Whether perceived as a business necessity or a missed opportunity, this event signals a period of change for WWE as it navigates its newly merged identity with UFC.
