On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects were released from their existing contracts in the latest round of WWE's annual roster cuts. Some of the most notable names to be released this week were each member of the Wyatt Six, Kairi Sane, and wrestling power couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.
While this was bad news for those wrestlers, it does leave a group of interesting talents in pro wrestling free agency at a time when the industry is strong. TNA Wrestling should consider signing contracts soon, including veteran performers. With that in mind, here are six former WWE stars that TNA should target on the open market.
apollo crew
At one time, Apollo Cruz was one of the must-see artists on the independent scene due to his impressive athleticism. More than a decade later, at the age of 38, Cruz is still an entertaining wrestler. But that was never his problem. It was always about finding a character that fans connect with and stick with for a while.
This is why he would be a better fit in TNA wrestling rather than battling the AEW roster for Best Match of the Night. TNA focuses a little more on character work, so if they find something that connects them with the audience, Crews could be a huge opportunity for promotion.
aleister black and zelina vega
The obvious assumption would be that, following his release, Aleister Black would return to AEW, where he found real success prior to his second stint in WWE. However, it would be wise for Carlos Silva to prioritize bringing Black and his wife Zelina Vega to TNA.
Their release this week surprised many as they were frequently used on SmackDown and seemed to be getting into a rhythm as characters. In TNA, this duo could be instantly catapulted to the top and become mainstays of the roster for the next few years, while also making some good money.
eric rowan
Erick Rowan has a useful talent for attacking enemies as a large monster. However, a performer like him doesn't feel like a fit in this version of AEW. However, TNA could make better use of men like Rowan. They will be able to play to his strengths and get the most out of an artist whose prime years are still ahead of him.
Tyra Mae Steele
One of the other surprise releases by WWE this week was Olympic gold medalist Tyra Mae Steele. When the company signed her three years earlier, she was introduced as a future world champion and the female version of Kurt Angle. However, they may have felt that she was not developing at the pace they needed and dropped her.
He still needs further development, but has immense potential. TNA can help her become a better professional wrestler, and having a gold medalist would be a great addition to their women's roster.
dexter loomis
Dexter Loomis has shown in the past that he can develop some strange but fun characters. Plus, he has great looks and is a very good athlete. TNA Wrestling seems like a perfect fit for a performer like Lumis, who needs time to let his character breathe. Also, rekindling their beloved history with Indi Hartwell in NXT but not in TNA would be a smart play.
