“Fantasy Booking 101” is a column on Pop Break dedicated to our writers’ wild wrestling imaginations.
Unfortunately, this column returns after an unfortunate WWE post-WrestleMania tradition continued.
On Friday April 24, right after hosting 100,000 people at a commercial-filled WrestleMania 42 and after huge proxy payouts for TKO executives, the WWE (and TKO) released close to 20 wrestlers from the main roster and NXT.
So, we’re here to predict where all these recent WWE releases, as well as AEW talent whose contracts were not renewed and a TNA talent who asked for their release, will end up. We wish them nothing but the absolute best, and hope they all become gainfully employed soon.
Please Remember: This is a fantasy booking column. What’s written here are educated guesses, and some are (as our friend Wade Wilson would say) “educated wishes” for where these 2026 wrestling free agents will end up. We have zero inside information, nor should any of these be taken as gospel truth.
Notes: As of publication of this article Luca Crusifino announced his retirement from wrestling. Also, in full disclosure this column will not be including Tyson Dupont, Malik Blade or Tyriek Igwe, as I have no some enough of either of them to give honest opinions.
Kairi Sane
Destination: AEW, Stardom
Don’t Rule Out: A WWE Return
The most shocking release out of all these. Kairi is currently embroiled in a storyline with Asuka and Iyo Sky, and is truly one of the best in-ring competitors in WWE. And if there was a release where we can say WWE truly “fumbled,” it’s with The Pirate Princess herself.
Kairi Sane is someone Kenny Omega famously talked about wanting in AEW. She is also someone you have to believe Mercedes Mone would push for. So, you could easily see her on a dual contract with AEW and Stardom. She’s amazingly talented, and her elbow drop would be instantly over with AEW audiences, as would her return home to Stardom. She’d slot in nicely to AEW as they could use her immediate star power to wrestle against Thekla, Willow, Mercedes, Stat, etc.
However, one cannot rule out her return to WWE. The #WeWantKairi hashtag is the type of public movement that got people like Rockstar Spud re-signed to WWE years ago. There’s a definite love for Kairi within the company, and it might be better to bring her back and keep the locker room happy than let her walk out.
Aleister Black
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: MLW
The second biggest surprise release was Aleister Black. We wrote about him heading back to WWE in our first-ever free agent column, and a year later we’re back here. It’s wild that this guy, whom we all considered a “Triple H guy” and who won his last three matches on SmackDown—including a win against Mania main eventer Randy Orton—was cut from the company. His pairing with real-life wife Zelina Vega seemed to be getting over with WWE audiences.
Once he hits the market, do not expect him to get the Andrade treatment from AEW. Talent there, including MJF, have taken to social media expressing they do not want him back. Putting all the rumors of him not wanting to lose aside—let’s be real. Outside of his entrance and some spooky vignettes, what was his best match in AEW? Does he even fit the company anymore?
That’s why the perfect place for him is TNA. He would be an immediate injection of star power. TNA loves spooky stuff, so he’d fit in perfectly with the company and its presence on AMC. He’d be a fresh face to work with Mike Santana and if the current TNA champion were to leave once his contract ends this summer, Black would be a strong person to hold the World Title.
Zelina Vega
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: MLW
Zelina Vega never got out of first gear as a solo act despite that huge reaction she got at Backlash in Puerto Rico. a few years ago. Yet, when she teamed with her husband, things seemed to click. I feel she’d be a perfect fit for the TNA Knockouts Division (where she had her first national exposure as a part of LAX), as well as being involved in her husband’s spooky shenanigans.
The Motor City Machine Guns
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: AEW/New Japan
One of the biggest shocks in 2024 was that The Motor City Machine Guns signed with WWE instead of AEW. It felt like they were perfect for AEW, but they went to the E, and quickly won the tag team titles. Sadly, that run ended shortly and then they had that two-out-of-three falls match with #DIY at the 2025 Royal Rumble that the audience decided to sit on their hands for. Not their fault, but it felt like they were doomed after that.
MCMG should go to AEW. They’d have a ton of opponents to work with, and would easily be positioned into big time matches with FTR and The Young Bucks. Also, having them re-enter the confines of New Japan would be great. MCMG vs. The Knock Out Brothers? Inject it into my veins.
However, if there seem to be some universal truths with this team: water is wet, the sky is blue, and this team always goes back to TNA. Is there anyone of note for them to work with outside of The Hardys and The Righteous? Not really. Could they thrive as singles competitors? Absolutely. But we’ve seen this song and dance before.
Apollo Crews
Destination: New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Don’t Rule Out: MLW, AEW
Apollo Crews was always a guy who should’ve been bigger. Sadly, his biggest moments came with that super bizarre gimmick back around 2020 (anyone remember the Nigerian Drum Fight Match at Mania?). WWE never fully capitalized on his immense talent.
And that is why New Japan Pro-Wrestling would be such a great spot for him. Slot him into a faction like Unbound Co. and just imagine what could happen. Or maybe just have him come in with no affiliations and rumble with the likes of Shingo, Tsuji, Oleg, and others. Rebuilding and rebranding himself in Japan, not unlike Shelton Benjamin did, may be the restart he needs. Apollo is too damn good to be forgotten as a Main Event guy.
Don’t rule out a quick trip to MLW, or even some work in AEW. However, in AEW, he could easily get lost in the shuffle unless he’s moved immediately to ROH, and they program him against Bandido.
Nikki Cross
Destination: MLW
Don’t Rule Out: Time Off, TNA
Nikki Cross aka Sister Abigail aka Nikki ASH is one of those talents that should’ve been bigger in WWE. In fact, she should’ve been the one to take the NXT Women’s Title off of Asuka. She’s a multi-faceted talent that would benefit literally any company she works for. Her husband, Big Damo, just signed with MLW, and one could easily see reunited the former Sanity stablemates.
TNA could undoubtedly use her talents, and she’d immediately elevate the Knock Outs Division, even without doing the spooky stuff. However, let’s not sleep on the fact Nikki Cross is currently pursuing a Ph.D in History, and could be using this time to finish off her studies (which apparently comes to a conclusion in 2029).
Santos Escobar
Destination: CMLL
Don’t Rule Out: Indies in Mexico, GCW, Japan
Holy headscratcher! Remember back in October when Santos Escobar let his WWE contract expire, everyone thought he’d show in AEW, and then in less than 24 hours resigned with WWE for apparently a large bag? Wild times. So, WWE did all this, barely used him on the main roster, and then shifted him (correctly) to AAA, only to release after he’s apparently injured? Again, wild times.
The move Santos Escobar, aka El Hijo del Fantasma in AAA and King Cuerno in Lucha Underground, should make once healthy is trying to join CMLL. His WWE main roster run did not reflect just how talented he truly is, nor did his time in NXT when he only won the Cruiserweight Title (remember that?) Him heading to CMLL, where he worked from 2008-2013, and involving himself in feuds with the likes of Mistico and Mascara Dorada would only continue CMLL’s dominance in the lucha scene.
If it takes some time for him to return to CMLL, don’t be shocked to see him work The Crash or IWRG in Mexico, some shots in Japan (NJPW would be ideal, but if there are issues with CMLL that won’t happen), and of course, GCW where he’d absolutely kill it.
Alba Fyre
Destination: AEW, Stardom, ICW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA
Alba Fyre should 100% be the #1 target of all the recent releases for AEW. She did have some early highlights in her run: NXT UK Women’s Champion, NXT Women’s Tag Champion and participating in War Games. However, most will know her as “Slaygent A” for Chelsea Green and not the absolute bad ass she was during her days as Kay Lee Ray on the UK independent scene. To this writer, KLR is similar to Swerve Strickland when he was released from WWE. Both had super impressive independent runs but were hampered by lukewarm runs in WWE. KLR has such a high ceiling and her devil-may-care, hard hitting style combined with the fact she’s not afraid to get bloody makes her the ideal candidate to become “All Elite.”
Joe Gacy
Destination: GCW
Don’t Rule Out: AEW, TNA
This one is an absolutely fascinating one to predict. Gacy is generally well-liked as MJF tweeted in support of him post-release. Could he end up in AEW? Yes, absolutely. He’d fit in perfectly as a main part of the Ring of Honor roster. He’d have the opportunity to have strong matches against just about anyone.
However, he might find Bear Bronson-esque success if he headed to TNA. He’d have a lot of fresh matches, and TNA loves spook stuff, which he has proven he can do. And undoubtedly, he’ll get matches in GCW no matter where he ends up. Gacy is someone to absolutely keep an eye on, as he’s likely to flourish outside of WWE.
Andre Chase
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: NWA, MLW, A WWE Return
This was a surprising release as it always felt like Chase was in NXT to be a player/coach. Chase U worked during the NXT 2.0 days (days this writer would love to forget). However, that faction fell apart, and never really found its footing.
TNA might be a stop for the former Harlem Bravado as he was trained by Delirious, who si currently working in the creative department. The NWA also seems like a spot he could pop into, as would maybe MLW. However, I could easily see him returning to WWE in a full-time trainer role.
Dante Chen
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: A Return to China, Out of Wrestling
Dante Chen was one of those numerous Performance Center dudes who debuted, won a match, and then became a tomato can for whomever. It felt like he, Boa and Xia Li were all brought in during the period when WWE really wanted to break into the China market. Xia had the most success out of all of them, and is currently in TNA. Chen has already worked in TNA, and there’s a chance he lands there. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return to wrestling in Asia or simply disappear from the public eye.
Zoey Stark
Destination: TNA or AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, MLW
Zoey Stark is a fascinating prospect. She’s coming off injury (it was gross that she was released, to be transparent), so she might be hitting some indies to get the rust off. She’s someone who has proven she has a tremendous moveset and can work with any type of opponent. She never truly got her footing in WWE because her run was stop-start before getting injured. She can easily make a name for herself in AEW or TNA, but don’t be surprised if MLW makes her an offer, or if she bypasses the States for Japan.
Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy
Destination: TNA, Stepping Away From Wrestling
Don’t Rule Out: NWA, MLW
Bo Dallas aka Uncle Howdy has been sporadically used since his return to WWE in 2022. It would not be shocking if Dallas went the way of his former tag partner Curtis Axel and bows out of the wrestling industry altogether. Of course, a spooky character in TNA, or one-offs in the NWA or MLW can’t be ruled out. However, he didn’t really wrestle much (if at all) when he was released in 2021, so who knows what lies ahead for the former Uncle Howdy.
Dexter Lumis
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: MLW
It’d be malpractice if TNA did not bring Dexter Lumis/Sam Shaw back and team him with Indi Hartwell. It’d be a huge crowd pleaser, and you’d get those NXT diehards to tune into AMC to see INDEX reunite with axes and smooches. MLW has been throwing money around to name free agents, you can’t rule them out. But, if you’re a betting person, put your money on the return of Samuel Shaw to TNA.
Rowan
Destination: MLW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA
Major League Wrestling loves themselves a big man. Currently, they have Bishop Dyer, Donovan Dijack, Josh Bishop, Karrion Kross, Alex Hammerstone, and Doc Gallows on their roster, so why not add ol’ Red Beard himself. The former Rowan, who once beat up our very own Branden Vice on Monday Night RAW, proved he’s more than a lumbering big man. Go watch some of his stuff in AEW, and you’ll see this guy can still go.
Tayra Mae Steel
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: Out of Wrestling
What a wild one. It felt like yesterday she tweeted about dreaming she left WWE. And a month later, she’s gone. The former Olympian and LFG winner has something to her, and maybe she just needs to find it elsewhere. Maybe she can get some seasoning in TNA, or head to Japan to learn — that’s even if she wants to continue wrestling.
Dani Luna
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Stardom
Dani Luna asked for her release from TNA earlier this year, and if anyone was tailor-made for AEW, its her. She has a great smash mouth style, and has never shied away from bloody affairs — all things which scream “All Elite.” Hopefully it’s a matter of when, not if when it comes to her signing with the company.
Matt Taven
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: MLW, NWA
It’s a bit strange that Matt Taven isn’t under contract somewhere. AEW did not renew his contract, you’d think TNA would have pounced all over him. He would be a fresh face who could immediately contend for the X-Division or Heavyweight Title.
Shayna Bazler
Destination: AEW/Stardom
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, WWE Return as a Coach
Shanya Baszler not being employed by WWE remains a ridiculous notion. Could she return as a coach/producer for the company? Yes. She did it for them during her “non-compete” and even showed up at NXT No Mercy. She said she’s not opposed to it, but she deserves (in this writer’s opinion) to be kicking ass, not coaching.
Ultimately, AEW should be really taking a long hard look at “The Queen of Spades.” Her smash mouth style and legit fight background would be a unique complement to the physical style of AEW’s women’s division and she’d have great natural feuds with all the top stars. AEW should also try and get her on a dual deal with Stardom where she made her bones and allow her to keep working Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport and various independent shows for GCW and her home promotion, AIW.
Again, don’t rule out TNA. I’m always suspect of the WWE/TNA partnership as a lot of TNA’s signings have been former WWE people (e.g. Mara Sade, Lei Ying Lee, AJ Francis etc.), so don’t be shocked if she ends up in TNA, and then transitions back to WWE.
Charlie (Fka Dakota Kai)
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, TNA, Bloodsport
We would have thought this was a lock for Women’s Casino Battle Royale at All In Texas. She’s also someone who was on AEW’s radar before resigning with WWE. Some may see this as “Oh, another former WWE talent who doesn’t want to be there” type scenario. Let me reiterate my theory on that — she was released originally when Vince McMahon was in charge, and then the guy who signed her, pushed and (we assume) believed in her called and said “Hey come on back.” If a boss who believed in you asked you to come back and work for them — you’d do it. So, let’s toss that nonsense out the window.
She’s officially back wrestling after a long hiatus post-release. An AEW contract we could easily see time for Kai in Stardom. If AEW is not in the cards, then you bet TNA will be chomping at the bit for her services.
Shotzi Blackheart
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, MLW
Shotzi Blackheart was a surprising “non-renewal” for WWE since she is one of the most marketable people in the company. Tanks, helmets, t-shirts and she has a wildly toyetic style. Shotzi has already jumped back in head first into GCW competing in Tournament of Death while also signing to MLW.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani she said she wanted to go to AEW but wanted a killer indie run beforehand. She’s had that run for sure. She would make a great fit in AEW as she fits that lovable oddball character (who can also wrestle) that cats like Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Speedball have all filled in the men’s division. So, Shotzi and her devil may care attitude and wild persona fit AEW way more than WWE. If she’s all in (pun so intended) on AEW and not doing the “biding my time till Papa H calls me” thing she should be All Elite this year.
