WWE releases NXT talents including Wes Lee and Summer Sorrell

WWE released multiple NXT and developmental talents on Friday, October 10, and two of the most notable departures have already signaled what comes next. Former NXT champion Wes Lee reverted to his pre-WWE ring name Dezmond Xavier on social media, while Karyn Best, who performed as Summer Sorrell in WWE's developmental system, confirmed her release and said a recurring injury limited her time with the company.

Lee, 30, updated his Twitter bio to Dezmond Xavier days after being moved to WWE's alumni page, signaling a return to the name he used on the independent circuit and in promotions such as TNA. Lee signed with WWE in 2021 and captured the NXT North American Championship and two NXT Tag Team Championships during his tenure. His last televised match aired July 29, when he lost to JeVon Evans; he made two additional in-ring appearances at live events before his departure. The name change has prompted speculation that he may return to the independent scene or join another promotion where he previously wrestled, and a potential reunion with former stablemates in The Rascalz has been suggested as a possibility given those performers' own contract timelines.