Former WWE Superstar Zoey Stark Reveals New Ring Name Following Unexpected Release

A recently released WWE superstar and former champion has revealed her new ring name.

In a surprise business decision, WWE released over 30 superstars after WrestleMania 42 weekend. The wave of cuts included The New Day, Zelina Vega, Aleister Black, the entire Wyatt Sicks stable, Apollo Crews and Zoey Stark.

On her "X" account, Stark posted a promo video showing her intense training and recovery from a serious knee injury she suffered 13 months ago. At the end of the video, Stark revealed that her new ring name is "The Purist" Zoey Serrano (her real surname).

Is this it?#wwe#aew#tnapic.twitter.com/TK7R54h3k0

— Zoey Serrano (@ZoeyStarkWWE) May 18, 2026

Serrano is under a 90-day non-compete clause and will be eligible to sign with another promotion on July 24. She suffered a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus during the May 19, 2025, episode of Raw in a match against Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley.

The 32-year-old Serrano joined WWE in Jan. 2021, spending her first two years there on the NXT developmental brand. Serrano and Iyo Sky won the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships at the NXT The Great American Bash 2021 pay-per-view, holding the titles for 111 days.

AEW Likely Pursue Several Released WWE Superstars

The rival AEW promotion loves to sign former WWE stars once their non-compete clauses expire. Thus, it would be a surprise if AEW president Tony Khan didn't move quickly to try and sign some of the recently released WWE talents this summer.

There have been conflicting reports about AEW negotiating with Aleister Black, who performed as "Malakai Black" for the promotion from 2021 to 2025. At any rate, expect Khan and AEW officials to get busy with recruiting in July.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 1:31 PM.