WWE Raw Stars Who Might Not Survive The Next Round Of Cuts

Zoey Stark is undeniably a strong in-ring competitor, but in WWE, talent alone isn’t always enough. What’s held Stark back more than anything is the absence of that elusive “it” factor, as fans just haven't gotten behind her despite her skills. Her alliance with Trish Stratus gave her a boost, introducing her to the Raw audience with some weight behind her. But once that partnership fizzled, so did Stark’s momentum. Things got even murkier with her involvement in the ill-fated Pure Fusion Collective stable. The group failed to make an impact, and now both of her stablemates - Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville - have been released from WWE.

Zoey, meanwhile, remains in limbo. Despite her impressive athleticism, she hasn’t captured any main roster gold and has only had a single NXT Women’s Tag Team Title reign in her WWE tenure. At a time when the women’s division is growing increasingly competitive, WWE may decide that Stark’s potential just isn’t translating into must-see television, making her a prime candidate for the next round of releases.

Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro

Just A Bunch Of Bodies For The LWO

Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro have been loyal foot soldiers for the LWO, but that’s about where their contributions begin and end. Despite their clear in-ring talent and chemistry as a tag team, WWE has never bothered to give them distinct personalities, promo time, or even basic character development. They've essentially become background noise - the guys who lose the tag matches so Rey Mysterio doesn’t have to.

That lack of individual identity has made it hard for fans to connect with them, and even harder for WWE to justify keeping them on the roster. With Rey Mysterio in and out of action and the LWO's momentum stalling, Wilde and Del Toro feel irrelevant. If WWE starts trimming names to make space for fresher talent or more defined characters, these two may be first on the list to go.

Austin Theory

An Interesting Case Of "Go Learn Something, And Come Back"

Austin Theory is a fascinating example of a superstar who was once deemed the future, only to quickly become an afterthought. After defeating John Cena at WrestleMania 39 (in what should have been a career-defining moment), Theory looked poised to skyrocket up the card. But that rocket stalled fast.

His tag team with Grayson Waller added a touch of comedic flavor and some gold to his resume, but even that pairing has run its course. WWE seems to be keeping Theory on TV out of obligation rather than genuine creative investment. And yet, there’s still hope. He’s only 27, has held a few championships, and clearly has the tools to succeed. A release - or at the very least, some time away - could be exactly what Theory needs. Sometimes, WWE’s best returns come after time spent on the sidelines learning what didn’t work the first time around.

Carlito

A Veteran Enhancement Talent That's Ready To Take The Fall

Carlito’s return to WWE came with a wave of nostalgia, but that wave has long since crashed. Originally brought back to bolster the Latino World Order and add some veteran presence, Carlito has instead found himself in a very familiar role: enhancement talent. While he still looks physically impressive, the reality is that WWE has used him as little more than a stepping stone for rising stars.

He’s been involved with The Judgment Day, but not in any way that suggests upward momentum; more like someone there to eat the pin or take the beating. At 46, and with little creative investment, Carlito feels like a safe name to cut when the time comes. His role has been filled, and WWE's youth-focused direction doesn’t have space for nostalgia acts without purpose.

Kiana James

Hasn't Been Seen On WWE Television In Over A Year

Kiana James was a surprise addition to Raw from NXT when she got drafted to the red brand last year. Unfortunately, the WWE Universe has seen very little of Kiana since, having only competed in one match before being put on the shelf with a leg injury.

Very few details have come out regarding her future potential within the company, and it feels like only a matter of time before WWE releases her. She felt like a rushed call-up who wasn’t ready, and that could cost her dearly when WWE evaluates who stays and who goes.