Braun Strowman’s release from WWE on May 2 shocked fans across the wrestling world. The former Universal Champion, famously nicknamed “The Monster Among Men,” was one of 17 wrestlers let go in a round of cuts that hit both the main roster and NXT. For many, Strowman’s name stood out the most.
His size, power, and status made him a key figure on WWE TV, and his recent feud with Jacob Fatu showed he was still a force in the ring. That’s why the news of his sudden exit left fans confused and looking for answers. While Strowman had been released before in 2021, this time felt different because he had worked hard to regain his spot in the company.
Braun Strowman’s High Salary Became a Problem
One of the main reasons behind Strowman’s release was the cost of keeping him around. Dave Meltzer, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, explained that Strowman’s salary was seen as too high for the way WWE was using him at the time.
“He is the one that the salary was high,” Meltzer said. “One person told me that they felt he was being… he was paid more than how they were using him.”
Even though Strowman still had name value and star power, WWE reportedly felt that his paycheck didn’t line up with his current role in the company. It’s a tough reality in wrestling: no matter how big or popular a Superstar is, the business side of things can change their future quickly. When budget concerns come into play, decisions are made that might not always seem fair from the outside.
In Strowman’s case, the company had to weigh how much they were spending against how often and how effectively they were using him, and in the end, they chose to cut costs.
Braun Strowman’s Injuries Took Their Toll
Money wasn’t the only reason for Strowman’s release. Injuries also seemingly played a role in WWE’s decision. Strowman suffered a serious hamstring injury in the past, and according to Meltzer, it had a lasting impact on his performance. While he came back strong and stayed in the mix, some backstage felt that he wasn’t quite the same as before.
“The reality of Braun Strowman is, ever since he had that hamstring injury, he’s… never been the same,” Meltzer explained.
For a company that counts on its top stars to deliver night after night, injury concerns can be a major factor. Even though Strowman was still competing, WWE likely had doubts about whether he could stay healthy long-term, which may have pushed them to make this tough call.
Right now, Strowman hasn’t announced his next move. Last time he left WWE, he wrestled under his real name, Adam Scherr, on the independent circuit. It would be interesting to see whether he returns there again or explores a whole new direction.
