The recent WWE releases after WrestleMania 42 have once again shown how unpredictable careers in pro wrestling can be. With so many talents being let go, a former WWE star recently shared some honest financial advice for rising talents.
His comments come after about 40 wrestlers from the main roster and NXT were released in two rounds on April 24 and May 2, 2026. Some big names were included, which reminded everyone that no one is completely safe.
James Ellsworth shares advice on business reality following releases
One of the biggest surprises was the release of The New Day members Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The release of the whole Wyatt Sicks group also surprised fans, especially because of their link to Bray Wyatt. Other exits, like Aleister Black and Zelina Vega, raised questions about WWE’s creative direction. Meanwhile, Kairi Sane’s release has sent fans into raptures with calls for her return mounting from all corners.
Now, former WWE star James Ellsworth suggests that all of this proves one thing: wrestling is a business first. He said wrestlers shouldn’t just rely on their current contracts. Instead, they should save money and invest wisely because things can change anytime.
“If you ever get signed to #WWE and make the main roster … They pay you extremely well… The reality is , it’s a business and you might get let go at anytime … Save your $ and invest , you’ll be good the rest of your life if you’re smart,” Ellsworth tweeted.
Ellsworth knows this from experience. He started as a small-time opponent for Braun Strowman but quickly became popular with his underdog story and catchphrase. He even got involved in a big feud with Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles, picking up some surprising wins.
Even though his WWE run didn’t last long, Ellsworth handled things well after leaving. He stayed active in wrestling and built his own path. Now, he runs Adrenaline Championship Wrestling (ACW), where he promotes shows and helps other wrestlers. He still competes on the independent scene and keeps multiple sources of income, just like the advice he imparts.
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