WWE Releases Wes Lee Roman Reigns’ Cousin Lance and More Ahead of Crown Jewel Event
In a significant shakeup ahead of the Crown Jewel event, WWE has released several talents from both NXT and the Performance Center. This news, first reported by Cory Hays of BodySlam.net, has been confirmed by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.
Key Releases from WWE
The list of released talents includes some notable names:
- Wes Lee
- Stevie Turner
- Lance Anoa’i
- Jin Tala
- Drako Knox
- Haze Jameson
- Summer Sorrell
- BJ Ray
- Jamar Hampton
Wes Lee’s Journey in WWE
Wes Lee, who previously performed as Dezmond Xavier, joined WWE in late 2020. He initially found success in a tag team with Nash Carter called MSK. Together, they won the 2021 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and held the NXT Tag Team Championships twice.
After Carter’s release in 2022, Lee transitioned to a singles competitor and remained a fan favorite. He claimed the North American Championship in October 2022, enjoying a 269-day reign, the second-longest in the title’s history. However, a surprising heel turn and a subsequent stable, High Ryze, saw Lee wrestle less frequently.
Stevie Turner and Lance Anoa’i
Stevie Turner had been with WWE since 2021. After an injury in March 2023, she shifted to an authority figure role alongside NXT general manager Ava and Mr. Stone. Turner confirmed her departure from WWE through social media.
Lance Anoa’i, a relative of notable WWE figures including Roman Reigns and The Usos, signed with WWE last year but did not appear on screen before his release.
Released Talents from WWE LFG
The other individuals released were part of the reality series WWE LFG. This program tasked inexperienced talents with impressing WWE legends, similar to the format of Tough Enough. Several participants received WWE contracts based on their performances on the show, along with appearances on WWE’s Evolve series, which highlights emerging wrestlers.
As WWE prepares for its upcoming events, these releases mark another chapter in the company’s ongoing evolution, suggesting that many of these talents, especially Wes Lee, may attract attention from other wrestling organizations.
