Braun Strowman’s WWE Release: Salary Issues, Backstage Concerns, and a Possible Return

Braun Strowman is once again out of WWE, and while the decision surprised some fans, the reasons behind it are becoming clearer. According to Dave Meltzer, WWE’s decision to release Strowman was driven by financial considerations, with the company believing he was being paid more than his current role justified.

This isn’t the first time Strowman’s salary has worked against him. Back in 2021, he was making $1.2 million annually after signing a lucrative long-term deal. At the time, a source noted that Strowman made a critical error by not securing a “no cut clause,” something he likely could have received given his standing in the company.

Before WWE ultimately brought Strowman back in 2022, Ringside News reported that RAW and SmackDown writing teams were asked if they had any interest in using him. The response was a clear “no interest,” but WWE brought him back anyway after Triple H took over creative control. Fast forward to 2025, and it seems like the same sentiment prevailed, with Strowman once again shown the door.

Strowman’s backstage reputation didn’t help his case either. After his 2022 return, a WWE source told Ringside News that he was known for “showing up late and leaving early,” with some questioning “if he’s serious about this run.” Those same concerns reportedly lingered, and Meltzer now claims that WWE is targeting talent they perceive as “lazy” as part of their cost-cutting measures.

During a recent Q&A session, Bill Apter reported that the door isn’t entirely closed for a Strowman return. “I heard that it was not an angry break, and if they call him six months or a year down the road, ‘We need you for three or four months,’ he would be willing to do it again. The door is open,” Apter said. However, there is no indication that WWE has immediate plans to bring him back.

It would be highly surprising if WWE decided to give Strowman a third chance. Most released talents don’t receive multiple returns, and if WWE did reach out to him, it would likely be at a significantly lower rate than his previous contracts.

Strowman’s last WWE match was on the April 18, 2025, episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with LA Knight to defeat Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa. Now, with his 90-day non-compete clause in effect, Strowman’s future in wrestling remains uncertain.