The wrestling world was hit with a shocking shake-up as Blair Davenport and Sonya Deville were officially released by WWE on February 7. The news, confirmed by PWInsider and Fightful, has sent waves across the industry, as both women played integral roles in WWE’s evolving women’s division.
Blair Davenport’s WWE Departure
Blair Davenport, formerly known as Bea Priestley on the independent circuit, was a dominant force in NXT UK before transitioning to NXT and making appearances on SmackDown. Known for her hard-hitting style and international success in STARDOM, AEW, and PROGRESS, Davenport had been touted as one of WWE’s rising stars.
Her release comes as a major surprise, considering she was recently involved in feuds within NXT and remained a credible threat in the women’s division. While her WWE tenure has ended, her reputation as a top-tier talent could see her land in AEW, NJPW Strong, or back in STARDOM in the near future.
Sonya Deville’s Surprising Exit
A more surprising name in WWE’s latest round of cuts is Sonya Deville, who has been with the company since 2015 after appearing on Tough Enough. She has worn multiple hats in WWE, including:
In-ring competitor
Former SmackDown General Manager
One-half of Fire & Desire with Mandy Rose
Member of factions like Absolution & Pure Fusion Collective
Deville made her last in-ring appearance at the Royal Rumble on February 1 after returning from a serious knee injury that had sidelined her for nine months. She previously held the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship before her injury disrupted her momentum.
What’s Next for These Stars?
Both Davenport and Deville have plenty of options post-WWE. Davenport could easily find a home in AEW’s women’s division, given her past ties with Tony Khan’s company, or make an impact in STARDOM, where she was a former champion.
For Deville, her tenure with WWE has made her a seasoned veteran, and she could transition into acting, MMA, or even return to wrestling in promotions like AEW or IMPACT. Given her experience in faction warfare, she could also be a valuable asset to any company looking for a ruthless leader or enforcer.
With WWE making another round of roster cuts, the question remains—who’s next? Stay tuned as more details emerge on what led to these shocking releases.
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