5 Wrestling rumors we hope are true and 5 we hope aren't: WWE wants Roman Reigns to beat 3 more legends, Released Superstar was originally supposed to be the "next Goldberg"

#4. Hope isn't true: The explanation that the WWE released Superstars were given

John Laurinaitis

The most recent set of WWE releases had some shocking names on the chopping board, including Samoa Joe, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, among others.

Despite WWE getting a huge increase in operating income, Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis told the released Superstars that budget cuts were the reason they were being let go, as per Fightful:

Sean Ross Sapp was told that John Laurinaitis made calls to the wrestlers who WWE released yesterday, explaining the decision was made due to budget cuts. Dave Meltzer notes that none of these performers can sign with another wrestling promotion until July 14 due to a 90 day non-compete clause.

We hope this isn't true because it reflects badly on WWE and their treatment of talent. The "independent contractor" status is controversial enough, and citing budget cuts as a reason for laying off talent despite public records suggesting otherwise isn't a good look.

Hopefully, all the released Superstars get good employment opportunities outside of WWE. It likely won't be as difficult to find work as it was a year before in 2020.