WWE releases Wes Lee after five years with WWE

Wes Lee, a prominent performer on WWE's NXT brand, was officially released by WWE on October 10, ending a five-year tenure with the company, according to reporting about the roster changes. Company website records showed his profile moved to WWE's alumni section in the days before the release, and the wrestler subsequently reverted his social media identity to his pre-WWE ring name, Dezmond Xavier.

Industry reporting indicates the decision stemmed from WWE management determining Lee was not part of its long-term plans to move talent to the main roster, rather than from any disciplinary issue. A wrestling journalist who discussed the release on a recent podcast said colleagues inside WWE described the move as among the most surprising in the latest round of cuts and stressed that Lee had done nothing wrong. The same commentator expressed confidence that Lee will continue to find success outside WWE.

Lee rose to prominence in NXT first as one half of the tag team MSK, alongside Nash Carter, later known as Zachary Wentz. MSK captured the NXT Tag Team Championships twice, earning a reputation for an energetic, fast-paced style. After the team split, Lee transitioned to singles...