WWE had released Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Lana, Ruby Riott, Santana Garrett, and Buddy Murphy. The reason cited was part of budget cuts, and Strowman was being paid $1.2 million per year according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The former WWE Universal Champion signed a new contract in October 2019, so the budget cut regarding Strowman is the WWE’s biggest saving financially from all of the talent cuts in the last year plus during the pandemic. Braun Strowman was fired by WWE for a very surprising reason as well.
Previously, more details regarding WWE’s decision to release Braun Strowman from his contract had been revealed. Braun Strowman’s contract played a role in him getting fired. On top of that, Braun Strowman was viewed as an ‘obsolete’ WWE Superstar and ‘two years past his prime.
Strowman made his return on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW. According to PW Insider, Strowman will join the SmackDown roster moving forward. It was also reported that Strowman will be presented as a babyface on the brand.
While speaking during this week’s RAW Talk, Kevin Owens made it clear that he is not done with Roman Reigns, and may be headed to SmackDown.
“My goal is the same as I stated a few weeks ago: I want to be a champion in WWE again. There are a lot of titles I’m gunning for. I’m gunning for all of them. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re usually not on Raw, your SmackDown gal? Okay, are you going to be at SmackDown this week? If you see Roman Reigns, can you do me a favor? Can you remind him that he owes me? You got it? I appreciate that.”
