WWE releases major names in latest surprise firing spree

WWE today announced that Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Lana, Murphy, Ruby Riott, and Santana Garrett have all been released from their WWE deals.

“WWE wishes them the best in all of their future endeavors,” a short statement said.

The releases of Strowman, Black, and Lana come as a complete surprise, especially Aleister Black who has just recently returned to Smackdown after being away since October of last year.

“I’m gathering my thoughts as this was a complete left field for me as obviously we just started the dark father character but this was it,” Black wrote on Twitter. “Thank you so much WWE Universe for allowing me to create and give you small bits of myself.”

The releases come a week after WWE cleaned house at their corporate headquarters, firing several Executive Vice Presidents and senior managers, as well as other members of the staff.