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.

Duke Hudson’s time with WWE NXT has come to an end, with the Chase U star reportedly being let go in January 2025. Now more has come to light about the abrupt exit of the former Tag Team Champion.

WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque made the call for Hudson to be cut, the Wrestling Observer Radio reports, as decisions like these are one of Levesque’s many roles. WWE’s Chief Content Officer did not see Hudson as a main-roster talent, despite having been under contract for six years. At 34 years old, time was also not on his side, resulting in Hudson’s WWE tenure coming to an end.

Duke Hudson in WWE

Hudson joined WWE in February 2019 and would debut at an NXT live event the following month under real name Brendan Vink. In March 2020, he began appearing on Raw as an associate of MVP, but their partnership would disband shortly after and Hudson would return to NXT.

Highlights of Hudson’s WWE career include facing Cameron Grimes in a hair vs. hair match at NXT WarGames 2021, a match that Hudson would lose. The Australian’s sole title reign in WWE saw himself and Andre Chase hold the NXT Tag titles for three weeks in late 2023.

Now, Duke Hudson will have to find a role for himself in wrestling outside WWE. As an NXT release, fans will have to wait for Hudson’s 30-day non-compete clause to expire before they see the Australian powerhouse back in the ring.

Duke Hudson is no longer part of WWE after spending years with the company.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported that Hudson was released by WWE in January, though news of his departure is only now becoming public. The reason for his release remains unclear.

Hudson debuted under his real name, Brendan Vink, at an NXT house show in 2019 and made his televised debut in 2020, teaming with Shane Thorne. He also competed in EVOLVE Wrestling as part of the promotion’s partnership with WWE.

In 2021, he rebranded as Duke Hudson and participated in the NXT Breakout Tournament. By 2022, he had aligned with Chase University, becoming a key member alongside Andre Chase and Thea Hail.

Hudson won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Chase in 2023, marking his first title victory in WWE. However, Chase University disbanded in late 2024 following a loss to Ridge Holland, leaving Hudson’s future uncertain.

Before the group’s split, Hudson had been a consistent presence in NXT, showcasing his versatility and potential. His departure raises questions about his next move in professional wrestling.