Former Superstar Confirms Injuries Caused His WWE Release

By Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

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Lance Anoa’i, a member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling dynasty, was signed by WWE in the summer of 2024 but was released by the promotion in October 2024. Anoa'i never competed in a single match during his brief tenure with the company.

Speaking to MuscleMan Malcolm in a recent interview, Lance Anoa’i explained that his release was primarily due to a string of injuries that kept him sidelined for his entire run with the company.

The wrestler, whose signing was unveiled as part of the NXT signings in November 2024, was reportedly unable to wrestle since August 2024. Anoa’i confirmed that he was released from his contract, despite having significant time left on his deal. His release was part of a round of talent cuts WWE made in October 2024.

“It was releasing me from my contract. I had another two years on my contract. I forget the day I found out because from that moment on, it was back to the grind. I was blessed to be there, I was happy to be there, I learned a lot. Unfortunately, injuries weren’t on my side, so it killed me. Do I think it was a missed opportunity at WWE? Yeah, I do. I also think it was a blessing."

Anoa’i explained that the injuries he suffered cost the company money, a factor that ultimately led to the decision to release him. He noted that, as one of the older recruits at the Performance Center, the sustained period of being unable to compete proved costly.

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Anoa’i said that he was excited to get back in the ring and get to work after not wrestling in so long.

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The wrestler detailed the timeline of his physical setbacks. He suffered his first injury, a sports hernia, during his very first week at the WWE Performance Center. This was followed by a brief recovery and then a second injury, preventing him from ever competing for the NXT brand.

"The injuries are what cost me everything. It cost the company more money than what I was making them. I was one of the older ones there. First, I had a sports hernia in my first week at the PC. I got hurt in the Performance Center.

It was something real dumb and maybe it was God telling me, ‘Maybe not yet.’ Got cleared for three weeks, and then tore my shoulder right after that. Got cleared end of September, released in October. There was no criticism. Everyone was rooting for me to come back and be ready. Unfortunately, things happen".

Anoa’i clarified that despite the reports about his quick release, there was no criticism regarding his efforts or conduct at the Performance Center. Instead, he felt that his colleagues were supportive of his attempt to recover. Anoa’i is now back on the independent scene, accepting bookings and competing for promotions such as PWJ and TCW.

He posted on social media following his departure that he would not let the setback stop him from achieving greatness and that he was ready to get back to work after 15 years on the independent circuit. Anoa'i had previously wrestled for promotions like MLW alongside Jacob Fatu and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

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