WWE Releases Rick Boogs & Aliyah

The rumoured post-merger WWE talent cuts are underway and the latest casualty is Rick Boogs (real name Eric Bugenhagen).

According to Fightful Select, Boogs has been let go by WWE. He made his WWE debut back in 2017 and he underwent several name changes while he was in developmental. He initially wrestled as Eric Bugenhagen before transitioning to Ric Boog and then Rik Bugez. WWE eventually settled on Rick Boogs when he debuted on the main roster in 2021.

Boogs found success through his partnership with Shinsuke Nakamura, where he played the guitar as Nakamura headed to the ring. Their friendship came to an end at WrestleMania 38 after Boogs suffered a torn quadriceps/patella tendon. He would return in January 2023 but Boogs has been seldom used on WWE TV, last appearing at SummerSlam in the Slim Jim Battle Royale.

Aliyah has also been let go by WWE. She tweeted: "As of today I am no longer apart of WWE." 

The 28-year-old signed with WWE back in 2015, eventually making her way to the main roster in 2021. She is a former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion and holds the record for the fastest win in WWE history at 3.17 seconds.