WWE Rumors on Roster Cuts, Petition for Kairi Sane's Return & Tiffany Stratton on WrestleMania Snub

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Triple H Likely Orchestrating Roster Cuts

Longtime WWE fans know the conclusion of WrestleMania means one thing every year: a wave of roster cuts. This spring was no different with a lot of in-ring talent let go last week.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer addressed one narrative surrounding the departures. He disputed the notion that TKO executives or president Nick Khan are requesting specific cuts.

Meltzer said WWE's parent company might require payroll or roster reductions. In terms of identifying the talent, chief content office Triple H is almost certainly steering the ship:

TKO has been a frequent target for fan criticism since WWE and the UFC merged in 2023. Ticket prices have climbed, and the promotion has placed an even larger emphasis on the commercial side of the business.

Leading up to WrestleMania 42, there were also rumors that TKO CEO Ari Emanuel pushed for Pat McAfee to be inserted into Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton's main-event feud.

As Meltzer laid out, however, it's hard to see why TKO would bypass Triple H to axe wrestlers who ultimately weren't moving the needle that much.

Petition for Sane's Return Launched Online

The release of former NXT women's champion Kairi Sane has generated a particularly strong reaction. One person went so far as to start a Change.org petition asking for her return to WWE.

The organizer wrote:

"Bringing Kairi Sane back to WWE would not only thrill her extensive fanbase but also significantly enhance WWE's roster with her unique style and dedication. WWE has consistently shown a commitment to presenting women athletes in a powerful light, and re-signing Kairi Sane would further this mission by bringing back one of the most inspiring performers.

"We urge WWE executives to prioritize the return of Kairi Sane. Her presence would invigorate storylines, increase viewer engagement, and inspire a new generation of wrestlers and fans alike. Let's unite our voices to show WWE that Kairi Sane is more than just a missed performer; she is a necessary presence on their stage."

The petition itself is unlikely to cause a reversal from WWE. A wave of popular support did, however, lead the company to hastily bring back R-Truth in 2025. If there's enough organic momentum behind Sane, WWE officials may take notice.

It wouldn't be the first time she came back after formally severing ties.

Stratton Addresses WrestleMania Absence

Tiffany Stratton went from beating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 41 in 2025 to not even featuring on the card a year later.

While the former WWE women's champion was disappointed to miss out, she said on Unseen with Joey Karni (via WrestleTalk) she still has a lot of time in her career to check off more achievements.

"I feel just so blessed. I feel like I got into this business at the perfect time," she said. "I was the perfect age and the cards have always just kind of fell into place for me. I've always worked hard, don't get me wrong. But I've just had very good timing with everything and I fully believe everything happens for a reason."

Stratton added that she sees "something bigger" on the horizon.

"Whether that's SummerSlam in Minnesota this year and fighting for the WWE Women's Championship, or main eventing next year's WrestleMania," she said. "I fully believe everything happens for a reason."

She also said she'll have "a chip on my shoulder for next year" (via Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News): "I'm going to do everything in my power to never let that happen ever again."

Stratton wasn't the only notable member of the women's division who couldn't get a match at WrestleMania. Iyo Sky's involvement was limited to helping Rhea Ripley beat Jade Cargill.

With WWE having fewer matches on premium live events, big stars are bound to miss out at any given show.

And just within the women's division, you have Paige returning at WrestleMania and Blake Monroe's imminent promotion to offset the recent personnel losses. The competition for air time isn't getting any easier.

Stratton is fresh off beating Giulia for the women's U.S. title on SmackDown, so she might be justified in hoping for better things at SummerSlam.