WWE released several names from its roster in recent weeks, but those cut from the company aren’t entirely gone just yet. Instead, several names who’ve been given the dreaded pink slip will still be playable as part of WWE 2K25.

Released talent who will be playable in WWE 2K25 include:

• Duke Hudson
• Akam
• Rezar
• Blair Davenport
• Cedric Alexander
• Luke Gallows
• Karl Anderson
• Giovanni Vinci
• Sonya Deville
• Isla Dawn
• Elektra Lopez

Paul Ellering was also among those released from WWE. While the Hall of Famer/Final Testament alum won’t be a playable character in WWE 2K25, he will be a non-playable manager in the game.

The inclusion of these released Superstars demonstrate how quickly things can change in WWE. While these talents hoped that WWE 2K25 would just be the latest in a series of games they would be a part of, next month’s instalment will most likely be the last time they are playable in a WWE video game.

These released talents will be part of the largest roster in the history of WWE video games with stars from the past and present. With over 300 names confirmed for the game, in addition to Wyatt Sicks-themed DLC, fans will be able to recreate their favorite matches or create never-before-seen contests in the upcoming game.

WWE 2K25 will release on March 14, with the Deadman and Bloodline Editions of the game launching a week earlier on March 7. With WWE 2K Mobile also announced, this year is shaping up to be a massive one for wrestling fans and gamers alike.

WWE 2K25: Complete Roster Reveal: Playable Characters, Managers & More

Ricky Starks has become the latest AEW alum to arrive in WWE as the former tag champion debuted during the February 11, edition of WWE NXT. Starks is not the only AEW name to go on to call WWE home, as he follows in the footstps of the following talents:

Cody Rhodes: A founding member of AEW, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, reigniting his quest for a WWE World Championship.

Jade Cargill: After a dominant run as AEW’s TBS Champion, Cargill signed a multi-year contract with WWE in September 2023. She made her in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024 and is a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion.

CM Punk: Following a tumultuous tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series in November 2023, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade away from the company.

Penta: Formerly known as Pentagon Jr. in AEW, Penta debuted on WWE’s Raw in January 2025, securing a victory over Chad Gable. Becoming the Iron Man in this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble demonstrates WWE’s faith in the masked star.

Shawn Spears: After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Spears returned to WWE in February 2024, appearing on NXT and continuing his “Chairman” persona. He has since been involved in various storylines, including a notable feud with Ridge Holland.

Blair Davenport: Briefly part of AEW under her real name, Bea Priestley, Davenport signed with WWE in 2021. She won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023 and moving to the SmackDown roster in 2024 before her recent release from WWE.

Lexis King: After making waves in AEW under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King signed with WWE in 2024. He debuted on NXT, where he is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup holder, and retained the cup on this week’s NXT against TNA’s JDC.

Andrade: Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match after a handful of years in AEW. He has since gone on to hold the WWE Speed Championship.

Many former AEW names have gone on to hold championships in WWE while some are awaiting their big break. It remains to be seen what direction Starks’ future takes in the company but his arrival has left fans excited to see what’s to come.

WWE has a huge roster of talented names, but this week, that roster became noticeably smaller. After Cedric Alexander confirmed his exit from WWE, more names have reportedly been let go by the company.

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reports that Blair Davenport has been let go by WWE. Davenport joined WWE as Bea Priestly in 2021, and debuted with the promotion as part of NXT UK.

Davenport was later brought to WWE NXT before landing on the main roster. Her most recent match for WWE came in November 2024, and her most recent victory was over Naomi on the August 16, edition of the Blue brand.

Sonya Deville has been told that her contract will not be extended when it expires, Sapp adds. With Deville’s contract reportedly set to expire in a couple of weeks, it won’t be long before the former Women’s Tag Team Champion is a free agent.

Deville joined WWE in 2015 as part of WWE Tough Enough. During an iconic moment, Deville came out of the closet during the show. This came after she was asked by one of the judges if she had a boyfriend waiting for her back home, and shared that she had a girlfriend instead.

Deville’s sole title win in WWE came in 2021 when she and Chelsea Green captured the Women’s Tag Team titles, though an injury would cut short Deville’s time with the gold. Now, both she and Davenport will have to find new roles outside WWE.

AOP & Paul Ellering Released From WWE (Report)