WWE, NXT releases 2022: Malcolm Bivens, Dexter Lumis top list of superstar cuts

Joe Rivera

WWE, NXT releases 2022: Malcolm Bivens, Dexter Lumis top list of superstar cuts image

Several sports entertainment stars have been handed new future endeavors.

WWE has had a tendency of late to slash the rosters of its main brands and its developmental sub-brand, NXT. That trend continued April 29 with nine more talents joining the ranks of the unemployed.

MORE: WWE releases Samoa Joe for the second time in less than a year

There was an unfortunate amount of releases in 2021. A fair amount of talents were handed their walking papers as part of reported "budget cuts." The reductions have continued in 2022, with the latest ones coming from NXT, per Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp.

Here's what we know about the releases: 

WWE & NXT releases 2022

Dexter Lumis

Date: April 29

Lumis' (FKA Samuel Shaw) character-driven approach was quickly embraced by NXT fans in 2019, eventually leading to several championship opportunities. He was placed in a marriage angle with Indi Hartwell in 2021.

Harland

Date: April 29

A true surprise here. Harland, formerly known as Parker Boudreaux, was pegged by many to be a future star of the company. Instead, he got the axe. Harland joined the company in 2021. 

Malcolm Bivens

Date: April 29

Bivens was part of NXT's Diamond Mine stable, alongside Roderick Strong and others, as the team's manager. Sapp reports that Bivens turned down a new contract earlier in the year, which ultimately led to his release.

Dakota Kai

Date: April 29

Kai was a stalwart of the NXT women's division for the better part of five years, switching between "Team Kick" fan-favorite and villain alongside Raquel Gonzalez. She was a multiple-time NXT women's tag team champion with Gonzalez.

Other NXT talent released

Date: April 29

Sapp reported that nine NXT wrestlers were cut. In addition to the three above, these six were reportedly handed their walking papers:

  • Raeylin Divine
  • Persia Pirotta 
  • Mila Malani
  • Draco Anthony
  • Sanjana George
  • Paige Prinzivalli

Joe Rivera