As PWMania.com previously reported, WWE has recently released several talents as part of roster cuts, including Elektra Lopez, Giovanni Vinci, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Isla Dawn, Cedric Alexander, AOP (Rezar and Akam), their manager Paul Ellering, and Blair Davenport. Additionally, Sonya Deville was informed that her contract, set to expire later this month, will not be renewed.
With the exception of Deville, all released talents are subject to 90-day non-compete clauses, preventing them from working for other promotions until the clause expires. Once the three-month period is up, they will officially enter free agency and be eligible to sign elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Karl Anderson appears to be preparing for his post-WWE future. On February 12th, he applied for trademarks on the terms “Automatic” and “AKA” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), filing through Michael E. Dockins, a well-known trademark attorney in professional wrestling.
The trademarks cover both entertainment services and clothing merchandise, with descriptions including:
“Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.”
“Shirts and short-sleeved shirts; Shirts; Sweatshirts; Hooded sweatshirts; Bandanas; Hats.”
Anderson’s release came as a surprise, as he is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff tendon and a partially torn labrum. Despite his current injury status, it appears Anderson is already laying the groundwork for his next move in professional wrestling.
Stay tuned for further updates on WWE’s recent roster cuts and where these released talents may land next.
