KEY POINTS

  • WWE announces the release of multiple key personnel from NXT's time as the "black and gold" brand
  • William Regal is also on the list, with fans and performers sending their love to him via social media
  • WWE's latest round of releases within NXT points to a complete erasure of Triple H's time as the brand's main handler

WWE kick-started the new year with another round of releases within NXT 2.0, this time including some of company Chief Operating Officer Triple H’s (real name Paul Levesque) most trusted personnel.

The full list of NXT personnel that were released are as follows, per Fightful: producer Road Dogg, coach Ace Steel, writer Ryan Katz, associate producer Dave Kapoor, longtime referee Scott Armstrong, George Carroll, Hideki Suzuki of Diamond Mine, Timothy Thatcher, Danny Burch, Allison Danger (real name Cathy Corino), and most surprising of all, former NXT General Manager William Regal.

Fightful also released WWE’s statement on the people that they have most recently cut from the company.

"With the continued evolution of NXT 2.0, we've decided to part ways with some of the staff based in our Performance Center. We thank them for their many contributions throughout the years and wish them the best,” the statement read.

WWE fans and personnel were most taken aback by the release of Regal as he had become synonymous with NXT and WWE itself due to his willingness to work with young talent and putting them in places to succeed.

In-ring performers like Johnny Gargano and Sasha Banks took to social media to show their appreciation for Regal, along with notable pro wrestling journalists like Simon Miller of WhatCulture .

As the company continues to purge the NXT brand of its staff and talent, there is a growing belief among wrestling fans that the promotion is doing its best to erase the remaining reminders of Triple H’s time as executive producer of NXT.

During his reign, NXT was a WWE fan's alternative to the more slow-paced in-ring performances on the main roster, serving as an avenue for indie wrestling stars to get their foot in the door for bigger opportunities.

It was reported in August last year that Triple H was being blamed for the brand’s ratings drop to rising competition AEW, leading to the rebranded NXT 2.0 with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Executive Director Bruce Prichard reportedly taking the reins.

With the release of key personnel from NXT, the fallout from fans and performers is expected to come swiftly in the coming weeks.

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