Javier Bernal unveils new identity after WWE release as he quickly rebrands himself and looks to the future in professional wrestling. After being let go from WWE NXT in early May 2025, the wrestler is now performing under the name Javi, utilizing social media to showcase his new persona and ambitions to wrestling fans worldwide.
New persona introduced through intense social media campaign
Javi, formerly known as Javier Bernal in WWE NXT, launched a dramatic vignette online to announce his return and send a message to wrestling fans, especially those who have ever been overlooked or mistreated. In a video clip shared across platforms, the wrestler adopted an intense, emotional tone, communicating that his journey is just beginning, even as he departs from NXT. His message was direct, unfiltered, and aimed to resonate with anyone who identifies with feeling underestimated or left out.
“If you were bullied: Bullied. Did not get picked. Left out. It is time to stand up. It is to rise. It is to fight. It is to win,”
Javi declared. —Javi (@corekidjavi)
The charged message concluded with a call to action for promoters and fans to follow his journey and book him for future events:
“It is time to open this pit up. Because I am gonna make sh*t happen. Follow me wherever I go. Book me if you want a workhorse and a star. thejavibooking@gmail.com.”
—Javi (@corekidjavi)
Departure comes during high-profile NXT roster cuts
Javi’s exit is part of a significant round of releases from WWE NXT, which affected several talents in May 2025. Along with Bernal, Cora Jade, who is now using the name Elayna Black, was among those let go. Others included Gigi Dolin, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, Oro Mensah, Dani Palmer, and the stable Gallus, comprised of Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang. Jakara Jackson, now performing as Mara Sadè, was also released during this period.
The roster changes have prompted many of these wrestlers to reinvent themselves on the independent circuit. The moves come amid continued shifts in the wrestling marketplace and adjustments by WWE to its NXT developmental system. Fans of these performers, like Gigi Dolin and Riley Osborne, have since followed their transitions on social media as they chart new directions for their careers.
What Javi’s rebranding signals for wrestling fans and the industry
Javi’s immediate reemergence following his WWE release demonstrates a resilient spirit and a desire to connect with wrestling fans outside the corporate sphere. By emphasizing his status as an underdog and energizing his followers with intense, emotional messages, he seeks to carve out a new legacy in independent wrestling. This move mirrors similar rebrandings by peers like Cora Jade (now Elayna Black) and Gallus, showing how released talent often seeks new creative freedom and opportunities beyond WWE.
Javi’s next steps in wrestling are likely to draw interest from promoters and fans who felt a connection to his journey in NXT. As he broadcasts his willingness to become a mainstay on the independent scene, the door opens for fresh storylines and rivalries, giving both Javi and fans new ground to explore within professional wrestling.
