A recent and unexpected wave of WWE talent releases has sent shockwaves through the wrestling industry. High-profile names such as Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai were among those released, prompting widespread speculation and heated debate over who ultimately holds the power to make such significant decisions within the evolving TKO Group Holdings structure.

Initially, many assumed that the directive to cut talent came from the top of the corporate ladder, perhaps from TKO executives focused on financial streamlining or shareholder satisfaction. However, new reports have shifted the spotlight back onto WWE's internal operations, with emerging insight suggesting that Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has the final word when it comes to roster decisions.

During a recent livestream, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful addressed the internal dynamics and delivered a strong assertion about Levesque’s authoritative role behind the scenes. He explained that Triple H's preferences directly determine whether a talent remains with the company or not. Sapp stated, “From what I was told, if he wants somebody to be there, they’re going to be there. Gonna be there. Let me be clear about that , if he wanted them there, they would be there. They would absolutely be there.”

Further details regarding the internal structure were shared online by Ibou of WrestlePurists, who expanded on how these decisions are thought to unfold. According to this commentary, while the decision of when to initiate cost-cutting measures might fall under the jurisdiction of TKO’s top brass, namely Ari Emanuel and WWE President Nick Khan, the choice of who to release reportedly lies squarely with Levesque. He noted, “Triple H is the final say on any roster personnel decisions. Most non-injured wrestlers that are benched from the TV that he books are candidates to get cut whenever he’s told it’s time to shed roster salary. The priority is that their books, and profit margins look good to shareholders after every quarter, which is why to juice up numbers, they shed contracts. Figuring out the WHEN on these matters is Ari and Nick. Figuring out WHO goes is Paul Levesque.”

The statement went on to argue that it is unrealistic to think Levesque is not central to these decisions, especially given his leadership over talent relations, bookings, acquisitions, and inter-promotional dealings. “I do not know who needs to hear this, but you’d have to be impressively naïve to believe otherwise,” the post continued. “The actual WWE product, roster, talent acquisitions, and business transactions with other promotions is Triple H’s domain. This was always going to be the end result of an influx of WWE ID talent trickling in through the system on the cheap and other avenues of acquiring talent. Especially when the base salary for main roster talent increased to $350,000/year. The people that scapegoat TKO solely and pretend HHH has nothing to do with it when being mad at releases need to get real. Ari Emanuel is likely unable to name more than 15-20 talent on the entire WWE roster.”

As of now, WWE has not issued an official statement regarding the leadership or rationale behind these recent cuts. The timing, however, has raised eyebrows. The releases came just one day after a notable corporate restructuring that included the departure of longtime WWE digital team member Ryan Pappolla. The proximity of the two events has fueled ongoing discussions about broader cost-cutting measures and a redefined hierarchy within WWE’s operational framework.

Triple H is the final say on any roster personnel decisions. Most non-injured wrestlers that are benched from the TV that he books are candidates to get cut whenever he’s told it’s time to shed roster salary.

The priority is that their books, and profit margins look good to…

, Ibou (@BackupHangman) May 3, 2025