Over 9 AEW stars were released in 2025. Check full list

More than nine wrestlers have reportedly left AEW in 2025, with some departing after contract expirations and others by mutual consent.

Published on: Jul 5, 2025, 06:18:13 IST

By HT News Desk

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More than nine top names associated with All Elite Wrestling, WWE's rival platform, have been released by the franchise, multiple reports say. While some left after their contracts with the franchise expired, others were cut off by the franchise for one reason or another.

Wrestler Maxwell Jacob Friedman at the AEW. (Photo: Maxwell Jacob Friedman on X) (Twitter)

Unlike Vince McMahon's WWE, AEW has refrained from releasing wrestlers under contract, as long as they continue to fulfill all legal conditions. For instance, wrestler Bear Boulder was released by the franchise in January 2025 after he was arrested for battery by strangulation. Most of the other departures have been by mutual consent.

Here is a list of wrestlers who have departed the franchise in 2025.

AEW Wrestlers Released In 2025: Full List

-Maria Kanellis – Former WWE strong voice, left AEW in Jan 2025 after health challenges.

- Ricky Starks (now Ricky Saints) – Exited in Feb 2025 and signed with WWE NXT.

-Miro (a.k.a. Rusev) – Departed in Feb 2025 by mutual agreement.

-Malakai Black – Contract expired in February 2025. Rejoined WWE.

-Rey Fenix – Released by mutual agreement in Mar 2025.

-Dutch &Vincent (The Righteous) – The duo of Dutch and Vincent were removed from the AEW roster in April 2025.

Also read: Cody Rhodes wins King of the Ring tournament: Could controversial victory convert final into four-way match?

-Bear Boulder – Bear Boulder was let go by tyhe franchise in January 2025 due to legal issues (battery/strangulation).

-Bear Bronson- Bronson's contract was not released in June 2025, as a byproduct of Bear Boulder's arrest and release by AEW, as per a report by WhatCulture.

-Saraya - She departed AEW in March 2025 by mutual consent despite her contract running through 2025. She and Tony Khan, the president of AEW, reportedly came into an agreement on her early departure.

-Abadon: His contract expired at the end of May 2025. He said that it won't be renewed.

WWE Star To Join AEW

Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn is reportedly heading to AEW, according to a report by WrestleVotes. The report indicates that AEW has expressed strong interest in signing the recently released WWE star. Adding to the speculation, Dawn was recently seen backstage at an AEW taping, fueling rumors that a deal may be imminent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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