Sonya Deville’s WWE Exit Caught People Off Guard

WWE just cut ties with multiple superstars, and while most names weren’t shocking, Sonya Deville’s exit has people talking.

According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Elektra Lopez, Giovanni Vinci, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Isla Dawn, Cedric Alexander, AOP (Rezar and Akam), their manager Paul Ellering, and Blair Davenport were all released. Deville wasn’t technically released but will not have her contract renewed when it expires later this month.

Like most WWE talent cuts, these releases come with a 90-day non-compete clause, meaning none of these wrestlers can sign elsewhere until that period is up. Once the 90 days are up, they’ll be free agents and can take their talents anywhere.

Meltzer noted that none of the names were considered major shocks, but Deville’s situation stood out.

“None would be considered shocks, but from those in the company, Deville was a surprise, and to an extent Anderson & Gallows if only because Anderson was injured and they usually don’t cut wrestlers while still recovering from surgery,” Meltzer reported.

Anderson, who has months left in his recovery, was expected to stay on WWE’s payroll while healing up, but it looks like that won’t be the case. Now, his future—and that of the rest of the released talent—is up in the air.

With the 90-day countdown already ticking, the wrestling world is watching to see where these stars end up next. Sonya Deville’s exit caught people off guard, and Karl Anderson’s situation raises even more questions. Will AEW, TNA, or NJPW scoop up some of these names, or will WWE come calling again down the road? One thing’s for sure—this shake-up is far from over.