WWE announced on Thursday that it would be growing its NXT brand internationally with the creation of NXT Europe. At the same time, a handful of NXT UK superstars have been released from the company.
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Taking to Twitter, a handful of NXT UK superstars, including Wild Boar (Michael Hitchman), Flash Morgan Webster (Gavin Watkins), Mark Andrews, Jack Starz, Ashton Smith, Dave Mastiff, Millie Mckenzie, Kirsty Bosley, Sam Gradwell, Sha Samuels, Nina Samuels, Primate, Dani Luca, Rohan Raja, and Kenny Williams all announced that they had been released by WWE. Each of the superstars thanked the WWE for their time and didn’t offer up any specific plans for what’s next in their careers.
As of today I am no longer under contract with WWE. It’s been a wild experience and I’m thankful for everything it’s afforded me – I am excited for what’s next and I am BUZZING to get back in that ring and GO!
— The Wild Boar (@WILDBOARhitch) August 18, 2022
As of today WWE and I have come to terms with the terms of my release.
I want to thank them for all the opportunities they gave me over last 5 years and looking after me through injury.
Excited to see what’s next
See you all soon.— Flash Morgan Webster (@Flash_Morgan) August 18, 2022
After six great years with WWE, my time with the company has now come to an end.
Excited to see what’s next https://t.co/wXSMm6sLso
— MA92 (@MandrewsJunior) August 18, 2022
Grateful.
Thank you, @WWE
Until we meet again. ✨ pic.twitter.com/j55qqcjMnS
— Jack Starz (@JackStarzzz) August 18, 2022
— Dave Mastiff (@DaveMastiff) August 18, 2022
Thanks for the memories @WWE pic.twitter.com/I07V294BaV
— Millie Mckenzie (@MMckenzieWWE) August 18, 2022
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While it’s unknown if the creation of NXT Europe is the exact reason for the talent being released, it does come at exactly the same time. The official announcement of NXT Europe did note that it would be reimagining the brand as well as its talent pipeline with a “Pan European focus,” so it’s likely that WWE is attempting to bring in some new talent to grow into major superstars, as they did with former NXT UK talent Rhea Ripley, Doudrop, Gunther, and Butch.
