For the second straight year, WWE released a handful of talent on April 15 as part of budget cuts.
In 2020, many released WWE talent ended up in IMPACT Wrestling with IMPACT teasing talent popping up at Slammiversary, which took place shortly after the 90-day non-compete clauses expired. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson), Eric Young, Heath, and EC3 all appeared in some form at Slammiversary with Matt Cardona and Brian Myers eventually joining IMPACT down the line.
In 2021, WWE released more talent including former IMPACT champions Samoa Joe, Mickie James, and Chelsea Green.
Appearing on David Penzer's At Ringside, IMPACT Co-Executive Vice President Scott D'Amore was asked about the possibility of the recently released WWE talent showing up at IMPACT Slammiversary once again.
"I'm kind of curious by the fact that people seem to be shocked that this happened. Historically, this is exactly what happens. They get through WrestleMania and then they make some adjustments to their talent roster. My phone started lighting up and there is definitely some talent I could see gracing an IMPACT Wrestling ring. It's always unfortunate when any talent gets let go, it's part of any business. Like so many people last year, it's a great opportunity to take this setback and turn it into something cool and something that can propel them forward. It'll be an interesting time over these next 90 days and we'll see where everyone lands in July," he said.
No date has been scheduled for IMPACT Slammiversary 2021. The 90-day non-compete clause for released talent is set to expire on July 14.
You can view the full list of talent released by WWE on April 15 by clicking here.
If you missed Fightful's interview with Chelsea Green, check it out by clicking here.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
