Friday evening (Oct. 10), Lance Anoa’i announced that he’s leaving WWE. The company announced his signing as part of a Performance Center class almost a year ago, but never appeared during that time. He suffered an injury not long after arriving at WWE’s Orlando, Florida facility, and then Fightful reported another occurred while he was recovering from that one.
Being the son of Samoan SWAT Team member Samu, the 33-year-old MLW and Pro Wrestling NOAH veteran was floated as an addition to WWE’s Bloodline Saga. That story continues on television, but it won’t include Lance Anoa’i.
I would officially announce my departure from WWE! I didn’t have the best of luck since I arrived! I will not let this stop me from achieving to be great! I’ve worked hard on the indies for 15 years! Now let’s get back to work! 30days Accepting bookings booklanceanoai@gmail.com
It was the start of several departures we’re learning about as Friday turns in Saturday here in the U.S. They all seem to be a part of the Developmental Program: either the full-time PC roster, or the ID (Independent Development) program.
A report from Bodyslam.net’s Cory Hays, which Fightful Select says its confirmed, says that Anoi’a was released. They also provided a list of names who were let go as of Oct. 10, including former NXT Tag and North American champion Wes Lee:
Aside from Lee, Stevie Turner was probably the most recognizable name saying goodbye. The 28-year-old Englishwoman moved to the States after a few years in NXT UK. She’s mostly been used in authority roles, as NXT General Manager Ava’s assistant, and as the person in charge of the NXT for NXT, Evolve. She posted about her release:
Not on Hays’ list, but Zara Zakher ended the week by becoming the latest woman from the ID program to exit, joining Kylie Rae and Zayda Steel. She’s leaving the business entirely, at least for a while.