Report: WWE NXT Releases Were Planned For Weeks

It has been reported that WWE's recent release of a number of NXT talent and officials has been planned for a few weeks.

WWE confirmed the departures of several NXT Superstars, developmental talents and officials on Wednesday, with Alexander Wolfe, Vanessa Borne, Jessamyn Duke, Kavita Devi, Skyler Story and Ezra Judge among the names let go. Referees Drake Wuertz and Jake Clemons have also been released.

The promotion, much like when main roster talent was being released in April, have cited budget cuts as the reason behind the departures, and PWInsider is reporting that these releases from WWE have been in the works for a little while.

It was reported on April 15, when the likes of Samoa Joe, Mickie James, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay departed WWE, that cuts related to NXT talent were also in the works. PWInsider's report says that the initial plan, in terms of these NXT-related departures, was for three weeks ago. However, the decision was then made to wait a bit longer.

The report goes on to say that those being released started being told from around 11am local time and, somewhat ironically, they were informed of their departure from WWE while the Performance Center was holding a multi-day try-out for new male talent.