Multiple Major NXT Superstars Reportedly Released By WWE

Written by James Holder • Published 7th August 2021
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Numerous high profile NXT Superstars have reportedly been released by WWE.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful notes that a number of Superstars which includes former NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed, Bobby Fish and Mercedes Martinez have reportedly been let go.

Bronson Reed had become something of a fixture on the black and gold brand, winning the NXT North American Championship from Johnny Gargano back in May.

The Aussie had been tipped to debut on the main roster after appearing backstage at numerous RAW and SmackDown tapings. Reed defeated Robert Roode in a dark match at a SmackDown taping in June, while also defeating Drew Gulak on Main Event.

Meanwhile, Mercedes Martinez challenged for the NXT Women’s Championship as recently as May 11th. However, Martinez hasn’t been seen on WWE television since suffering a concussion during a mixed tag team match on June 29th.

The match saw Martinez team with Jake Atlas against the team of Tian Sha’s Xia Li and Boa. Martinez was distracted by Tian Sha’s mysterious leader Mei Ying who was watching the action from the entranceway. That allowed Li to take control and sent Martinez back into the ring. Xia Li then connected with a Suplex before nailing Mercedes Martinez with a spin kick that appeared to knock her out cold.

The releases come after it was revealed that former NXT Champion Adam Cole was backstage at SmackDown for a “high-level” meeting with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, apparently in an effort to resolve his future.

You can read the full list of releases below.

-Bobby Fish
-Bronson Reed
-Jake Atlas
-Ari Sterling
-Kona Reeves
-Leon Ruff
-Stephon Smith
-Tyler Rust
-Zechariah Smith
-Asher Hale
-Giant Zanjeer
-Mercedes Martinez
-Desmond Troy

Taking to social media, Bronson Reed responded to his release by writing that “The monster is back on the loose.”

Inside The Ropes will continue to update this story as it develops.