List of All WWE Superstars Fired in September 2023 Budget Cuts

Just an hour after the initial announcement of talent releases, WWE unexpectedly began informing superstars they were being let go. Despite wishing them well in their future endeavors, the move came suddenly amidst record profits for the company.

Several prominent former world champions and recent signees were released from their contracts, now subject to a 90-day non-compete clause before they can wrestle elsewhere. Among the surprise names let go were top stars like Dolph Ziggler, Elias, Madcap Moss, and Kevin Owens. The quickness and volume of releases were similar to controversial WWE talent cuts made in 2021.

Fans and media pundits questioned the contradictory nature of WWE firing so much talent despite earning higher revenues than ever. With live crowds returning after the pandemic disruption, many felt WWE had an opportunity to feature more stars, not fewer. The wave of releases shocked the wrestling world and reignited debates over WWE’s business tactics.

1. Dolph Ziggler

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Real Name: Nick Nemeth
• WWE Tenure: Joined WWE in 2004 after coming up through OVW development territory.
• Previous Gimmicks: Member of The Spirit Squad faction (2006).
• Repackaged: As Dolph Ziggler in 2008.
• Accomplishments: Former World Heavyweight, United States, Intercontinental, Smackdown Tag Team, and Raw Tag Team Champion.

He was also a former Mr. Money in the Bank (2012), which he famously cashed in on Alberto Del Rio (2013). Outside of WWE, Ziggler is a three-time All-Mid-American Conference champion in wrestling from Kent State.

• Status: One of WWE’s most accomplished and popular superstars over the past decade. Ziggler’s release after nearly 20 years with WWE was one of the most shocking in the round of budget cuts. Given his strong wrestling skills and reputation, he figures to be a significant signing for any promotion he joins next.

2. Mustafa Ali

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Details: Mustafa Ali was the first superstar to reveal his release. His departure had been expected after Ali initially requested his WWE release earlier in 2023.
• Background: Ali joined WWE in 2016, rising through the Cruiserweight Classic and 205 Live brand. He later earned a promotion to the main roster in 2018.
• WWE Highlights: As Mustafa Ali, he challenged for the WWE and Universal Championships, including high-profile matches against Daniel Bryan. Fans appreciated him for his exhilarating high-flying style.
• Post-Release: Ali expressed some disappointment on social media over his exit after a 7-year run in WWE. Given his solid in-ring skills, he likely has options with promotions like AEW and Impact. At just 32 years old, Ali still has plenty left.

3. Shelton Benjamin

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Background: Two-time NCAA All-American wrestler who joined WWE in 2000. He was college teammates with Brock Lesnar at the University of Minnesota.
• WWE Accomplishments: Former United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion, 24/7 Champion, and Tag Team Champion. Part of popular factions like Team Angle and The Hurt Business.
• Non-WWE Highlights: Won the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championship. He also competed internationally for New Japan Pro Wrestling.
• WWE Status: Despite his amateur wrestling pedigree and athleticism, Benjamin never reached leading event status in WWE. At 47 years old, he was on the tail end of his full-time in-ring career when he was released. His veteran experience should allow Benjamin to continue wrestling in the Indies.

4. Elias

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Real Name: Jeffrey Sciullo
• WWE Debut: Signed with WWE in 2014
• Gimmick: Performed as a musician who sang songs and played the guitar during his segments
• WWE Accomplishments: Former IWC World Heavyweight Champion and 24/7 Champion. A popular comedic character among fans.
• Status at Release: He was still regularly featured on WWE programming with his musical segments. At age 35, he likely has many active years ahead of him. The Elias character could thrive in other promotions.

5. Emma

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Real Name: Tenille Dashwood
• Background: This is the second time WWE has released Emma. She was previously let go in 2017 before being re-signed in 2021.
• WWE Status: Emma had rarely been used on WWE programming since returning. Her release coincidentally comes right after WWE announced a significant event in Australia in 2024.
• Impact: Emma will likely be in high demand on the free agent market at 31. She could significantly boost women’s divisions in AEW or Impact Wrestling. Her ability to work as a fan favorite and villain is a plus.

6. Aliyah

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Real Name: Nhooph Al-Areebi
• WWE Tenure: Signed in 2015. I spent several years in developmental/NXT.
• Accomplishments: Holds the WWE record for fastest match victory at just 3.17 seconds—former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.
• Status: Despite her long tenure, the 28-year-old Aliyah never broke out beyond the mid-card. Her release allows her to explore new opportunities in the indie scene.

7. Top Dolla

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Background: Real name: A.J. Francis. He is a former NFL defensive end who signed with WWE in 2020 as part of the Hit Row faction.
• WWE Run: This was Top Dolla’s second WWE release after initially being let go in 2021. Hit Row reunited in WWE in 2022 before the entire group was rereleased.
• Upside: At just 33 years old, Top Dolla can still capitalize on his football and WWE backgrounds. His mic skills and size offer an upside for other promotions.

8. Madcap Moss

• Release Date: September 21, 2023
• Real Name: Michael Willis
• Background: Former college football player who signed with WWE in 2014.
• Previous Gimmicks: Competed as Riddick Moss in NXT and 205 Live.
• Main Roster Debut: 2020. Won the 24/7 Championship.
• Recent Career: Formed a famous comedic duo with Corbin in 2021. Won Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal with real-life partner Emma.
• Release Status: At just 30 years old, Moss already has valuable WWE experience. His football background, size, and improving promo skills could make him a potential breakout star elsewhere.

9. Rick Boogs

• Real Name: Eric Bugenhagen
• Background: Former collegiate wrestler who signed with WWE in 2017.
• Gimmick: Debuted guitar-playing strongman character Rick Boogs on SmackDown.
• WWE Career: Suffered torn quad injury in April 2022, shortly after being called to the main roster, and returned in January 2023 before release.

10. Mace & Mansoor

1. Release Date: September 21, 2023
2. Details: Let go by WWE several hours after the initial set of releases.
3. Background: Formed a tag team as part of the Maximum Male Models stable led by LA Knight.
4. Mansoor: First Saudi-born WWE wrestler. Signed in 2018 after a tryout. Was the focus of WWE’s Saudi Arabia events.
5. Mace: Billed as a dangerous super heavyweight and spent most of WWE career alongside Mansoor, Mace, aka Brennan Williams, was a 2013 NFL Draft pick by the Houston Texans. In 2020, Williams joined Retribution and was named Mace. He held onto that gimmick until joining Maximum Male Models.
6. Status: Both are relatively young and could continue teaming on the Indies.

11. About WWE

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.

WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.