Add as a preferred source on Google The latest chapter in WWE‘s post-WrestleMania 42 release wave arrives at midnight Thursday, July 23, 2026, when 11 wrestlers become officially free to negotiate with and appear for other promotions.
The list includes Bo Dallas, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Chris Sabin, and Alex Shelley — all released in WWE’s cuts on April 24, 2026.
Though the period is commonly known as a no-compete clause, the wrestlers remain under contract and continue being paid by WWE during the waiting window. The standard term is 90 days for main roster talent, while NXT wrestlers typically wait just 30 days.
That also explains why not everyone who left WWE in April becomes a free agent on the same date. Alba Fyre, for instance, later confirmed that her contract had simply expired, which allowed her to return to the ring without waiting out the 90 days.
Some of the incoming free agents have already begun laying the groundwork for their next move. Thea Trinidad — known in WWE as Zelina Vega — filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” on July 20.
Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley, meanwhile, posted a video last week breaking down several contract offers, suggesting they’ve already decided where they’re headed next.
The restrictions will lift just three days before AEW Redemption, set for July 26 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The timing naturally opens the door for possible surprise appearances, though none of the 11 has a confirmed debut at this time.