Rhea Ripley, Nikki Bella & More React To WWE Releases

WWE

Rhea Ripley, Nikki Bella and more talent have reacted to WWE’s latest set of roster releases.

Just less than a week since WWE celebrated WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas, 24 superstars across Raw, SmackDown, NXT and WWE Evolve have departed the company – a full list of which can be found here.

While some stars such as Nikki Cross were specifically reported to have been released, it’s unclear whether some departures are due to WWE not renewing expiring contracts.

Since the wave of roster cuts began, tributes have poured in from talent within WWE and outside in the wider wrestling community.

Rhea Ripley, who last night appeared on SmackDown for the first time since winning the WWE Women’s Champion at WrestleMania 42, took to Twitter after the show to comment on the releases.

Describing yesterday as a “very sad day,” Ripley wrote:

Today’s been a very sad day… Absolutely guttered for my friends and comrades

Worst time of the year. Go prove them all wrong!

Nikki Bella Addresses Nikki Cross WWE Release

Another prominent star in the women’s division: Nikki Bella also took the time to comment on one release in particular: Nikki Cross.

Responding to Cross’ announcement of her WWE exit on Twitter, the WWE Hall of Famer said she was “heartbroken” by the news, whilst offering encouragement to the Scottish star in whatever her next chapter entails:

Heartbroken. Love you so much Nikki! Going to miss your energy, laugh, and light every time you walked into a room.

Can’t wait to watch this next chapter. I know it’s going to be the best one yet!! N

Cross replied to Nikki’s post with her own heartfelt message to both her and Brie, thanking them for the kind words and contributions to women’s wrestling:

Thank you for the kind words Nikki. Love you girls so much. I’m grateful we got to share a locker room and time together.

Thank you for everything Brie and Nikki, for what you guys have done for women’s wrestling

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven Comment On Alba Fyre Being Released

Cross’ compatriot Alba Fyre was another star who received plenty of tributes after her release, with both her Secret Hervice stablemates Chelsea Green and Piper Niven heaping praise on her unsung talents.

Green wrote:

You guys didn’t get to see how talented KLR is. I know you saw bits & pieces, but trust me, there’s so much more to her.

She’s a fearless wrestler… I’m sad to not have her on my side but this is just the beginning for my girl.

Thank you for having my back, Slaygent A.

Love you! @KLR_KayLeeRay

Niven, who has history with Alba Fyre dating back almost two decades, shared several images of them throughout their wrestling journeys, writing:

Thank you for your Hervice Slaygent A

More than a wrestling soulmate, a hetero life partner if you will.

A true pioneer and soon to be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do it.

Run wild my demon

Pirates 4 life

At ease Slaygent.

More Released WWE Stars Issue Statements Following Departures

Zoey Stark, who had been nearing a return to action after suffering a serious knee injury on WWE Raw in May 2025, sent a message of appreciation to WWE, the locker room, production staff and coaches for “making her dreams come true” and supporting her throughout her recovery.

Stark wrote on Twitter:

Thank you WWE, you made a young girls dream come true. You could not have been better and more supportive during my healing and I will be forever grateful.

Thank you to all the girls in the back, the producers, camera men you were all incredibly kind and gracious.

And a special Thank you to Terry Taylor and Coach Bloom for teaching me so much and being a shoulder to lean on. Its just the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one.

Falling Foward, onward and upward with God’s plan

Booking: zstark.booking@gmail.com

WWE NXT star Tyson Dupont also thanked WWE and its fans for their support over his four year in-ring journey, saying he’s “truly grateful” for the opportunity:

I want to take a moment to say thank you @wwe and all the fans for all the love and support these part 4 years

My time with WWE has come to an end, and while it’s not the outcome I hoped for, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.

Being able to step into that ring and live out part of my dream is something I’ll never take for granted.

To everyone I met along the way, thank you for the lessons, the guidance, and the memories. This is just one chapter in a much bigger journey. I’m excited to keep working, growing and most definitely to KEEP CHASIN GREATNESS……

THE BEST IS ALWAYS YET TO COME

Zelina, who initially reacted to the news during a livestream on her Twitch channel, also took a moment to thank her fans for their support in a post on Twitter:

My fans mean the absolute world to me. I’ve lost a lot this year and in my life in general.. but I gained all of you.

Thank you. Your support means more than you’ll ever know.

Luca Crusifino, who had only recently been repackaged on WWE Evolve following a lengthy absence from TV, also commented on his departure, writing:

What an amazing 4 years! Thank you so much to all of my coaches and friends that I have made along the way!

Onwards and upwards!

onlyfans here I come

We wish all WWE stars departing the company the very best in whatever they decide to do next.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• wwe
• rhea ripley
• Nikki Bella
• Releases

Share this article with friends