A former WWE Champion is among the wrestlers let go from the company in a group of releases.
Jinder Mahal, who became the first man of Indian descent to hold the title when he secured an unexpected win over Randy Orton at Backlash in 2017, is set to leave the professional wrestling giant alongside teammates Veer Mahan, Sanga, Xia Lee, and Xyon Quinn.
Any talent released from Raw or SmackDown – such as Jinder – will have a 90-day noncompete clause preventing them from competing for another company, while NXT superstar Xyon will have a 30-day wait.
‘I Quit. Maharaja Out 💰,’ Jinder tweeted, while he changed his X bio to: ‘🔥 Free Agent – 90 Days.’
Despite suggesting he walked out, several reports indicate the former 3MB member – who was part of the memorable group with Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater – was indeed released.
In a message translated from Hindi, his Indus Sher teammate Veer wrote: ‘When it comes to the honor and respect of Indians, sacrifice comes first. Good Bye WWE 🙏🏾 Jai Jai Shri Ram 🙇🏽♂️🚩’
In a lengthy statement on social media, Xia Li reflected on her seven years since joining WWE as the company’s first female Chinese superstar.
She wrote: ‘I feel incredibly proud! I am sincerely grateful to WWE and HHH for welcoming me into this big family. During this valuable time, I have not only grown tremendously but also learned countless invaluable experiences.
‘Thank you for your trust and the opportunities you have given me to break barriers and set an example.’
She also voiced her gratitude for the coaches at the Performance Center, as well as her co-workers and other staff for their ‘support and assistance’ as she adjusted to life ‘in a foreign land’.
Xia had kind words for the fans and described their ‘backing’ as her ‘strength’.
She continued: ‘This journey with WWE has been wonderful, and I sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of it. This is not the end but a new beginning! Let’s embrace more exciting moments together!’
Her fellow wrestlers have flooded social media with messages of support, as Iyo Sky admitted she was heartbroken.
The WWE Women’s Champion’s Damage CTRL teammate Kairi Sane added: ‘I don’t want to believe it. I’m really sad. I don’t know how many times your kindness has saved me… Love you so much, @XiaWWE.’
‘It’s okay, I’m still here for you,’ replied Xia, while Taya Valkyrie wrote: ‘You’re a ⭐️ @XiaWWE!! You’ve got this, the world has been put on notice 🥰 x’
And Chelsea Green tweeted: ‘Xia is one of my favourite people. We bonded at the performance center immediately ♥️ I’m sad to see her go, but she’s one of the most driven people I know. It’s only up from here!!’
