Booker T Thought Wes Lee Would Be “Safe” From Recent NXT Cuts

Booker T was surprised to see Wes Lee in the most recent round of WWE cuts.

On October 11th, news broke that WWE had carried out a new round of cuts from the NXT and Evolve roster. The wrestlers released included former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee and Roman Reigns’ cousin, Lance Anoa’i.

On October 13th, Ridge Holland also confirmed his departure, despite only recently beginning a lengthy rehab process following surgery for a foot injury.

Following the releases, Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer noted that they were not budget-related; instead, the company wanted to make room for more new prospects.

Wes Lee was likely the best-known star to be released from, as he has been a mainstay on the brand since 2021. However, the star has been featured less in recent months and has not received a call-up to the main roster after four years in the company.

Commenting on the news on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T admitted he was surprised to see Wes Lee being cut, although he understood the reasoning behind it.

“Wes Lee is a guy that’s highly, highly talented. I would have thought he would have been safe. But then I think also about what this thing is all about, NXT being a developmental system. When you’ve been in the developmental system five years, and you’re not looked upon as being someone that’s going to make it on the main roster, you could be one of the guys that’s going to get cut.”

This led Booker to make the point that wrestlers in the developmental system only have a short amount of time to reach the next level, or they’ll find themselves on the chopping block.

“As far as this developmental system, I would implore guys to think that they got perhaps two, two and a half years at that. So you better be motivated to try to figure out what this thing is all about.

“Don’t cruise. Don’t put it in cruise control, because you can find yourself being one of these guys getting released. The clock is ticking and they’re watching to see if you are one of the guys perhaps that could make it on the main roster and make it to SummerSlam and WrestleMania.”

Do you think Wes Lee should have been given a chance on the main roster? Were you surprised by the releases? Let us know your thoughts below!

Full List Of WWE NXT Releases – 11 October 2025

• Wes Lee
• Ridge Holland
• Lance Anoa’i
• Stevie Turner
• Brayden ‘BJ’ Ray
• Haze Jameson
• Summer Sorrell
• Drako Knox
• Ji Tala
• Jamar Hampton

H/T to WrestlingNews.co for the above transcription.