WWE Cuts Wyatts and Aleister Black as AI Cost-Cutting and Roster Shake-Ups Emerge

Key facts

• Wyatt Sicks released because WWE felt the group 'had run its course' as a short-term tribute act.
• Aleister Black and Zelina Vega cut as WWE decided it 'wasn’t going to do anything more with' them.
• Kairi Sane's release partially linked to 'the belief she wanted to move back to Japan at some point.'
• WWE SmackDown moving back to two hours on June 5 episode, earlier than expected July timeline.
• TKO (parent company) driving AI use in WWE videos to cut costs, per Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp.
• Brock Lesnar's apparent retirement after WrestleMania loss to Oba Femi disputed by some within WWE.
• Pat McAfee 'opted out' of Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton storyline, altering planned Backlash direction.

WWE Cuts Wyatts, Black, and Vega in Roster Reset

WWE has released the Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega, according to reports from The Observer and Fightful Select. The decision reflects a broader reassessment of talent utilization following WrestleMania 41. The Wyatt Sicks, a tribute to the late Bray Wyatt, were deemed a short-term idea that had run its course. Even initially, some within WWE saw the group as lacking long-term viability, leading to its dissolution. Aleister Black's release came despite WWE's efforts to lure him from AEW last year. The company never developed substantial creative plans for him, ultimately deciding he would not feature in future programming. Zelina Vega's departure followed a similar logic, though she previously ghosted AEW's Tony Khan during contract negotiations before re-signing with WWE.

Kairi Sane's Release and the Japan Factor

Kairi Sane's WWE release was influenced by her desire to return to Japan.t she wanted to move back to Japan at some point contributed to the decision. Sane's departure adds to a wave of roster changes that also include the aforementioned cuts. Her potential return to Japan could open opportunities in promotions like Stardom or NJPW. Meanwhile, Hulk Hogan's son Nick has received training offers from several wrestling schools after teasing a future in-ring career. The offers indicate interest in capitalizing on his family name and recent public statements.

SmackDown Shrinks to Two Hours, AI Integration Accelerates

WWE SmackDown will return to a two-hour format starting June 5, earlier than the previously reported July timeline. The move, confirmed by Meltzer, aims to streamline the show and potentially refresh its presentation. SmackDown will receive a presentation refresh, though the logo and theme song remain unchanged. The changes likely involve roster shuffling rather than major branding overhauls. AI use in WWE has drawn criticism, particularly for videos on NXT featuring Sol Ruca and Zaria. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select described the AI-generated content as 'slop,' attributing its use to TKO, WWE's parent company, which seeks to cut costs wherever possible.

Brock Lesnar's WrestleMania Exit Sparks Retirement Doubts

Brock Lesnar's apparent retirement after losing to Oba Femi at WrestleMania 41 has been met with skepticism from some within WWE. his feud with Femi was originally scheduled to extend beyond WrestleMania. Lesnar left his boots in the ring and flashed the 'x' sign, actions that seemed to catch WWE off guard. Broadcasts have since handled the topic cautiously, suggesting the company was not fully prepared for his departure. Speculation persists about a potential farewell match at SummerSlam 2026 in Minnesota, possibly against Gunther. However, Femi's WrestleMania victory remains a significant moment for the rising star.

Pat McAfee's WrestleMania Role and Backlash Changes

Pat McAfee 'opted out' of the Cody Rhodes-Randy Orton storyline at WrestleMania, altering planned directions for Backlash. McAfee's involvement, along with Jelly Roll, was widely criticized as an unnecessary distraction. McAfee's late insertion into the main event was reportedly driven by contractual incentives, despite claims of opting out. The stretcher spot and his return as a referee further muddled the narrative. The changes to Backlash plans underscore the behind-the-curtain chaos that characterized this year's WrestleMania. WWE now faces the task of recalibrating storylines without the intended McAfee involvement.

Bayley's AEW Future, Lil Yachty's WWE Ambitions, and Other Rumors

Bayley's potential move to AEW remains unlikely before 2027.bly explore' the option if AEW makes an offer at that time, but her current WWE contract keeps her tied to the company. Lil Yachty has expressed interest in a WWE match, per Trick Williams on Stephanie McMahon's podcast. The rapper is reportedly getting in shape to make the crossover, though no formal plans have been announced. These rumors, along with others, will be subject to accuracy checks in six months as part of WWE's weekly Rumor Look Back feature.

WWE's Post-WrestleMania Landscape: Uncertainty and Opportunity

The weeks following WrestleMania 41 have been anything but typical for WWE, with roster cuts, production changes, and unresolved storylines creating a volatile environment. The company's willingness to release high-profile talent like the Wyatts and Black signals a focus on streamlining creative direction. AI integration and SmackDown's format change reflect broader cost-cutting and efficiency measures driven by TKO. These moves may alienate some fans but align with corporate priorities. As WWE navigates the fallout from Lesnar's ambiguous exit and McAfee's disrupted plans, the coming months will test its ability to maintain momentum. The roster shake-ups and presentation refresh offer a chance to reset, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.

The bottom line

• WWE released the Wyatt Sicks, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega due to creative limitations and lack of long-term plans.
• Kairi Sane's departure was partly driven by her desire to return to Japan.
• SmackDown will revert to two hours on June 5, with a presentation refresh but no logo or theme song changes.
• TKO is pushing AI-generated content in WWE videos to reduce costs, drawing criticism from fans and insiders.
• Brock Lesnar's retirement is disputed within WWE, with speculation about a future match at SummerSlam 2026.
• Pat McAfee's WrestleMania role was altered after he opted out of the Rhodes-Orton storyline, affecting Backlash plans.