Episode Details

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Episode 183 breaks down a week where WWE's future started changing fast.

The post WrestleMania 42 roster cuts hit every level of the company, with Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Bo Dallas, Dexter Lumis, Erik Rowan, Apollo Crews, Santos Escobar, the Motor City Machine Guns, Tyra Mae Steele, and several NXT prospects all gone.

Kairi Sane's release is the hardest one to explain. She was active on television, coming off a singles win over IYO SKY on the April 13 Raw, and appeared to be headed toward a bigger story with Asuka. IYO SKY called the timing unexpected, Bayley said she was struggling to process it, and Kairi thanked fans while saying she would "set sail… in my own time."

Aleister Black's exit raises similar questions after wins over Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Matt Cardona. These did not feel like talents being phased out creatively. They felt like cuts made while stories were still moving.

The Wyatt Sicks were also wiped out, with Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erik Rowan, and Bo Dallas all released. Nikki Cross later called her time as Abby the Witch "the honour of a lifetime," tying the group back to Bray Wyatt, Brodie Lee, the Windham family, the Huber family, and the Fireflies who kept that world alive.

The locker room reaction showed how heavy the day was. Alexa Bliss honored Nikki Cross and the Wyatt Sicks. Rhea Ripley called it a sad day. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven praised Alba Fyre. Asuka, Bayley, and IYO SKY supported Kairi Sane. Nathan Frazer gave a heartfelt tribute to Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, crediting the Motor City Machine Guns for helping him during his first year on the main roster.

At the same time, WWE is pushing new names forward. Ricky Saints is set for his SmackDown debut next week in Tulsa after one final NXT match against Shiloh Hill. Ethan Page and Sol Ruca already arrived on Raw, while Joe Hendry is set for his official Raw debut with a concert.

SmackDown also got a jolt from Fatal Attraction, as Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid attacked Paige, Brie Bella, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley. Blake Monroe is also headed to the blue brand after a vignette for "The Glamour," bringing her résumé as Mariah May, Owen Hart Cup winner, former AEW Women's World Champion, and former NXT Women's North American Champion with her.

Cody Rhodes used SmackDown to send a pointed message beyond Randy Orton. Still showing the effects of Orton's punt, Cody called out the "outside forces" affecting his WrestleMania path, saying they are "0-3" and telling them to send their best or stay out of his business. The line appears aimed at TKO influence and connects to past WrestleMania shifts involving Roman Reigns, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and John Cena.

Tiffany Stratton also turned a missed WrestleMania into momentum, defeating Giulia to win the WWE Women's United States Championship. The win ended Giulia's 112 day reign and gave Stratton her third singles title in WWE. In her interview with Joey Karni, Stratton said missing WrestleMania gave her a chip on her shoulder, and she is determined to make sure it never happens again.

Outside WWE, Lucha Underground suddenly resurfaced after years of silence with a "¿Más?" teaser and the caption "soon." Taya Valkyrie, Willie Mack, Ivelisse, Vinnie Massaro, The Butcher,