'Disgrace': Fans rage over WWE's 'heartbreaking' axing of Aussies
The WWE universe and the stars have expressed their shock and heartbreak after 10 superstars, including Aussie tag team duo Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, were released from the pro-wrestling company.
One year after WWE announced budget cuts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company announced Samoa Joe, Mickie James, Kay, Royce, Bo Dallas, Wesley Blake, Kalisto, Tucker and Chelsea Green would be released.
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The news was met with devastation and shock within the WWE universe.
One of the Aussie duo, Kay, took to social media to thank the company for giving her lifelong memories.
"They have fulfilled my dreams entirely from being a 10-year-old girl that fell in love with WWE from the moment I saw The Rock on TV and now I'm walking away with so many incredible moments.
"Thank you to every single person in both the locker rooms and everyone that I had the pleasure of working with behind the scenes too."
— Billie Kay (@BillieKayWWE) April 15, 2021
In Aus we are so far away from the rest of the world that our dreams feel as far away as the physical distance. So when one of our own achieves their dreams it makes everyone feel a little closer to the possibilities ❤️🇦🇺 We’re all a big family https://t.co/BZTkUZ8pXH
— Relentless Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) April 12, 2021
So proud of my best friend @billiekaywwe 👏❤️ I’ve been saying for years she’s the funniest person I know & it makes me so happy that the whole world is able to share her entertainment with me! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/ZMmCbLjXVU
— Relentless Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) April 11, 2021
Kay signed a development deal with the WWE in 2015 and has been on the main roster since 2018.
Teaming up with partner Royce, known as the The IIconics, the pair won the Women's WWE Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 35.
Royce broke into the WWE with Kay, but the pair split last year in a new storyline.
Fans rage over WWE releases
One of the biggest names cut was Samoa Joe.
Joe was involved in multiple WWE title matches, including a big match with Brock Lesnar.
After a recent injury, Joe transitioned to commentary with Michael Cole and was a part of the most recent WrestleMania show.
The huge roster cull prompted many within the community to speak out at their 'heartbreak' over the news.
Probably shouldn’t say what I really think about the release of @BillieKayWWE and @PeytonRoyceWWE but I’m sure you can all figure it out...
Two far too talented wrestlers and friends that will just find another platform to shine on now.
Love you both!— TENILLE DASHWOOD (@TenilleDashwood) April 15, 2021
Heartbreaking day. The female locker room will not be the same without the beautiful, funny, outgoing, sweet, encouraging.... I can go on and on about @BillieKayWWE. Girl we will miss you terribly.
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) April 15, 2021
Shocked by a bunch of the releases.. IIconics were and are absolute gold. @PeytonRoyceWWE @BillieKayWWE I love you ladies so much. You’re stars and will continue in your next step as stars. Won’t be long till you’re scooped up and a well deserved spotlight is shined on you both❤️
— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) April 15, 2021
...just don’t understand I probably will never
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) April 15, 2021
Grateful for the memories. Grateful for the locker room. Grateful for the fans. Grateful for these little keys to my golden handcuffs. You can never expected others vision of you to be big as your own dreams. Thank you @VinceMcMahon #AlwaysBlessedAndGrateful
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) April 15, 2021
The fact that Samoa Joe never became a World Champion in WWE is an absolute shame.
— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) April 15, 2021
Samoa Joe has proven himself as one of the most versatile performers both in ring, on the mic, on commentary, everywhere. I'm in absolute disbelief.
— Adam Pacitti (@adampacitti) April 15, 2021
Wwe are an absolute joke. Break up the Ilconics, do nothing with Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, and now release them. To say nothing for Samoa Joe and the others. A disgrace. Hope they go to AEW and shove it to Vince big style.
— Mick & MicKnots (@ElectricMiknik) April 15, 2021
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