Every year, WWE goes through roster reshuffling, giving every brand a makeover. Some people go to the main roster or NXT from another company. Others get promoted from NXT to the main roster.
In a couple of months, there’s probably going to be some Evolve standouts heading to NXT full-time. When that happens, fans are excited but concerned about a bloated roster. That’s why WWE conducts talent cuts a couple of times a year.
Often, fans aren’t happy, as some released wrestlers were never given the chance to show their true potential. Some wrestle in other promotions, while others leave the sport entirely. But some get rehired in a producer or trainer role, giving their knowledge to their former coworkers and the next generation.
That is a smart move on WWE’s part, as the wrestlers get to continue their WWE journey in a non-wrestling role.
Wrestlers Get to Continue to Work with WWE
On May 2, 2025, Shayna Baszler was one of numerous wrestlers to be released by WWE. It was a sad day, as many fan favorites were part of the cuts that happened. Last week, it was reported that she had returned to the company in a producer role. Along with Chris Girard, the former Oney Lorcan, she produced the Kelani Jordan vs. Lainey Reid match on NXT.
She isn’t the only person to receive another chance with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity. Down on Evolve, Lince Dorado and Timothy Thatcher are trainers at the Performance Center in addition to competing sometimes. Being a producer and trainer in WWE is a very tough job.
You have to work with young talent and be mindful of WWE’s style of wrestling. Wrestlers who have competed in WWE already have that knowledge, which they can easily pass down.
Producers and Trainers Get a Huge Amount of Recognition
WWE has a big reputation when it comes to wrestling. The company is also known for its entertainment aspects, such as promos and storylines.
Writers may give them the materials, but the producers are what makes them shine. They make sure everything is done a certain way that will be memorable to the audience. Wrestlers who suffered career-ending injuries, such as Jason Jordan, Robert Roode, and T.J. Wilson (the former Tyson Kidd), still get to contribute to the business in that role.
Whenever a popular segment airs, the producers get credited on social media. Doing so gives them recognition for putting together something great. The same thing can be said about trainers. They are credited for the rapid improvement of wrestlers who are new to the company.
Even though they aren’t wrestling for WWE, former wrestlers still contribute in a big way to the company’s success.
Leaving WWE Isn’t Always a Firm Goodbye
When wrestlers get cut from WWE, they naturally have questions. “Do I work on the independent circuit or other companies?”, “Is it time to move on to something else?”
For those who continue wrestling, the door to WWE is always open. Some wrestlers have had tremendous success stories building their way back to the company, like Cody Rhodes and Naomi. Others come back in a producer or trainer role, helping the current wrestlers and Performance Center trainees succeed.
They know how everything works around the company, so coaching others should come very easily to them. Perhaps that’s why so many former WWE wrestlers are brought back in those positions.
Teaching someone outside of WWE their way of doing things can be time-consuming. Having wrestlers that didn’t burn the bridge with the company allows for a nice transition outside of the ring that will continue their wrestling career.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on WWE and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
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