Nikki Storm Reflects On ‘Unexpected’ Release From WWE: “It’s Always Hard To Say Goodbye To Such A Substantial, Significant Chapter In Your Life”

Nikki Storm speaks about her time with WWE.

For the last decade, Nikki Storm has been with WWE under the name Nikki Cross. In April 2026, her time with the company ended when she and the remaining members of The Wyatt Sicks were released.

Storm did media and sat down with Chris Van Vliet. She opened up about her ‘unexpected’ release from the company.

“It was unexpected. For every character I’ve played, whether it be SAnitY, whether it be Nikki A.S.H., even Nikki Storm when I said goodbye to her in 2016 before I joined WWE and Abby the Witch, I always feel attached to the characters, so it’s always difficult to say goodbye. With WWE, I was there for 10 years. I got to travel the world. I got to make amazing friends, make these incredible friendships with people like Sarah Schreiber, with people like Giulia, and I get to take them forever. With WWE, I was there for 10 years, so it’s always hard to say goodbye to such a substantial, significant chapter in your life. That being said, I’m so excited for my next chapter, and I’m so excited for what’s next for myself, and I can’t wait to go out to the world and go out to the galaxy. It was unexpected, and it’s always hard to say goodbye to a character(and) people that you become so bonded with. Myself and Dexter (Lumis) and Joe Gacy, Bo Dallas and Erick Rowan, we’ve shared something that I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to relate to: The five of us sharing this experience. So it’s always hard to say goodbye, but I think I don’t ever want to be stuck in the past. It was a great 10 years, but I’m also excited for the next 10 years.”

Storm is now back on the independent scene and has multiple dates lined up, including running PROGRESS and DEFY Wrestling with her husband, fellow wrestler Big Damo.