The September 2026 wave of WWE roster cuts has given AEW watchers a fresh list of names to track. Ten developmental talents exited, and the usual post-release chatter has turned toward which of them might end up in Tony Khan’s promotion once the 30-day non-compete window closes.
September cuts hit developmental system
WWE released ten wrestlers from its NXT, Evolve, LFG, and Performance Center programs on September 4 and 5. The group includes Jasper Troy, Wendy Choo, Adriana Rizzo, Zena Sterling, Anya Rune, Braxton Cole, PJ Vasa, referee Gary Wilson, Ellen Akesson, and Marcus Brown.
Sean Ross Sapp confirmed the list on Fightful Select and noted that no main-roster departures accompanied the move. This marks the second round of releases in 2026, following the wave that followed WrestleMania 42.
Developmental talent faces the standard 30-day wait before becoming available elsewhere, so none of the released wrestlers can appear on AEW television before early October at the earliest.
Jasper Troy’s size draws interest
Former LFG Season 1 winner Jasper Troy held the WWE Speed Championship before his release. At 28, he still carries the physical profile many AEW bookers value in the men’s division.
After the cut, Troy posted “30 Days” on X and later rebranded himself as Kairo D. Reign. That move signaled he is open to bookings once the non-compete expires.
AEW’s recent signing of larger ex-WWE names such as Tommaso Ciampa has set a precedent. Troy’s combination of size and televised title experience puts him on the short list of September cuts most likely to receive a call.
Wendy Choo brings title pedigree
Wendy Choo entered WWE through the 2018 Mae Young Classic and stayed in the developmental system for seven years. She captured the Evolve Women’s Championship earlier this year, giving her the most recent championship credibility among the released group.
Choo’s multiple character resets—from Mei Ying to the narcoleptic babyface—show flexibility that AEW’s women’s division has rewarded in the past. Her dark match on August 25 served as her final WWE appearance.
AEW has added ex-WWE women with strong fundamentals before, and Choo’s recent title run keeps her name circulating in online speculation about the next wave of signings.
Adriana Rizzo limited by injuries
Adriana Rizzo arrived in 2022 and spent time in The D’Angelo Family storyline on NXT. Several injuries curtailed her progress and eventually moved her to an interviewer role on Evolve.
That background gives her recognizable TV exposure without the long-term contract security some main-roster talent enjoy. Fans who followed the D’Angelo arc remember her name even if her in-ring opportunities stayed limited.
AEW’s medical staff would likely review her injury history before any offer, but her storyline experience could still translate to a supporting role or eventual return to the ring once cleared.
Lower-profile names face longer waits
Zena Sterling, Anya Rune, Braxton Cole, PJ Vasa, Ellen Akesson, Marcus Brown, and referee Gary Wilson round out the list. Most had limited or no televised matches, making immediate AEW television unlikely.
Anya Rune arrived with multiple independent titles, while PJ Vasa posted a public thank-you to WWE on social media. Their profiles suggest indie bookings or AEW’s YouTube shows rather than prime-time appearances.
AEW has occasionally elevated lesser-known signees, but the pattern shows that developmental cuts usually require additional seasoning before they reach Dynamite or Collision.
New Day move sets recent benchmark
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods left WWE in May 2026 and debuted at AEW All In London on August 30 under the name New Level. They signed less than 24 hours before the event and immediately won the Trios titles.
Kingston later described the process as a “whirlwind,” confirming that AEW can move quickly when it targets established ex-WWE talent. The speed of that deal raised expectations for other names on the market.
That precedent now colors conversations about the September group, though the developmental status of the new releases means any similar fast-track path would be an exception rather than the rule.
AEW’s selective approach continues
Reports earlier in 2026 indicated at least seven ex-WWE wrestlers were already waiting for AEW contracts. Since then the promotion has added Andrade, the Rascalz, and Ciampa, showing a pattern of measured rather than mass signings.
Tony Khan’s staff evaluates tape, marketability, and fit before extending offers. The September cuts add to an existing pool rather than reset the entire roster-building strategy.
Fans tracking social media have already linked Choo and Troy to possible AEW futures, but those remain speculative until contracts are filed with the relevant athletic commissions.
Contract timing shapes next steps
The 30-day non-compete means the earliest any of the released talent can appear on AEW programming is early October. That window aligns with AEW’s post-All In television schedule and upcoming pay-per-view planning.
Agents and attorneys typically negotiate during this period, so any public announcements are unlikely until deals are close to final. Past examples show AEW often waits until contracts are signed before confirming signings on air.
Until then, the released wrestlers can pursue independent dates, which several have already signaled through updated social bios and rebranded handles.
Next moves hinge on evaluations
AEW’s interest will likely focus first on Troy and Choo because of their recent television exposure and championship credentials. The remaining names may require additional indie seasoning before any serious conversations begin.
WWE’s decision to keep main-roster talent intact suggests the September cuts were aimed at developmental trimming rather than a broader overhaul. That distinction matters for fans trying to project future movement between the two companies.
Pattern points to measured interest
The September 2026 WWE roster cuts add ten names to an already active list of available talent. AEW has shown it will move quickly for proven commodities, yet the developmental status of this group suggests a slower, case-by-case evaluation. The next four to six weeks will clarify which, if any, of these wrestlers receive offers and how soon they could appear on AEW television.
