WWE has always seen a lot of reshaping when it comes to it’s roster. And this year hasn’t been any different so far, with a few unexpected names parting ways with the company in 2026.
While some exits were quiet, others were a bit dramatic. However, each exit has and will affect how the company plans for the time to come. That said, let’s take a look at the stars who walked away from WWE this year.
Who has left WWE in 2026?
Several names from the main roster and NXT make it to the list. It is worth noting that these exits have come at a time when the company is seemingly focusing on long term stability.
1. Brinley Reece
Brinley Reece had been a part of NXT and EVOLVE. While she was building momentum after recovering from a shoulder injury in 2023, her exit certainly came as a shock.
WWE NXT star Brinley Reece has been moved to the alumni section of the WWE roster page after announcing her departure from the company earlier this month pic.twitter.com/9nrydxDwdt
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) January 14, 2026
She was the first confirmed exit of 2026. Interestingly, her athletic style and natural energy suggested that she was destined to become a bigger part of WWE’s women’s division. However, she chose to step away, citing health reasons.
2. Tatyanna Dumas
Tatyanna Dumas left the company in February of this year after her contract with the WWE ended. For those unaware, Dumas had been part of WWE’s developing talent pool. She worked hard to craft a style that blended athleticism with personality.
However, her decision to walk away from the company aligns with a trend emerging among younger performers. As more global promotions offer steady work and creative control, it attracts many younger wrestlers. While Dumas hasn’t announced her future yet, her WWE chapter has closed for now.
3. Ava
Ava was a prominent name in the NXT and famous for her on-screen role in the management. Having built a distinct presence as a general manager, she was a notable part of the brand’s storytelling.
Moreover, Ava was positioned to take on larger responsibilities in the NXT, and this is the reason why her departure came as a shock. As she decided not to renew her contract, it remains to be seen what she does next.
4. Tommaso Ciampa
While each exit so far in 2026 has been surprising, there is none that matches Tommaso Ciampa’s exit. After being with the company for a decade, Ciampa confirmed that he would not renew his WWE contract. His time with the company included two NXT Championship reigns, unforgettable rivalries, and a reputation as one of the most intense performers of his era.
Interestingly, shortly after his departure, Ciampa arrived in AEW and captured the TNT Championship almost immediately. Leaving WWE for Ciampa wasn’t about stepping back in anyway. It was about finding new competition and taking his talents somewhere he could rediscover creative freedom.
This concludes the list of WWE stars that have left the company so far in 2026, that said, there remains a possibility that more stars join this list as the year passes.
Also Read: Chris Jericho Return 2026: Y2J Spotted Amid WWE And AEW Rumors
