Ashante “Thee” Adonis, a prominent WWE NXT talent and former member of the Hit Row faction, has officially announced his departure from WWE following the expiration of his contract. After six years under the WWE banner, Adonis took to social media Sunday morning to share a heartfelt farewell and express excitement for his next chapter in professional wrestling[1][2][3].

Ashante, whose real name is Tehuti Miles, first signed with WWE in August 2019 and made his initial television appearance as “Elijah King” on Raw in April 2019. He was later repackaged as Ashante “Thee” Adonis and became a key part of the Hit Row stable, which gained a cult following among NXT and WWE fans alike. Despite a setback in November 2021 when Hit Row was released amid broader roster cuts, Adonis was brought back in 2022 following WWE’s creative team shift under Triple H, and found himself back on the NXT brand in singles competition and in storylines involving talents such as Karmen Petrovic and Cedric Alexander[1][2][4].

In his farewell statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Adonis described his six years in WWE as “unforgettable” and filled with gratitude for the opportunities and relationships made. He also hinted at a new beginning, declaring himself “the face of the future” and promising fans that they have “only seen a glimpse” of his true potential. His full message read:

“After 6 unforgettable years under the WWE lights, the time has come for me to close that chapter. I’m filled with nothing but gratitude for every opportunity, the experiences, lessons, and incredible talent I’ve had the chance to work with. I’m truly excited to show the world what I can really do. Sometimes you gotta get off multiplayer and progress your story mode. I believe I’m the face of the future and the reason your girl stopped texting you back. This is a brand new beginning. I am becoming the best version of myself. You have only seen a glimpse of my true potential, and I’m just scratching the surface. I know that to some this can be a dark time, but stars can’t shine without darkness.”[2][3][5]

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed Ashante’s exit is due to his WWE contract reaching its natural expiration, rather than a release for cause, signaling the decision was amicable and possibly mutual[1][2]. This aligns with common WWE practices for talents whose contracts expire without renewal.

Ashante’s recent appearances included a June 24, 2025, singles match loss to Ricky Saints on NXT, and earlier this year he also competed in crossover events benefiting from WWE’s collaboration with Impact Wrestling’s TNA Genesis event[1]. His final notable NXT storyline involved a romantic angle with rising star Karmen Petrovic, which ended dramatically when Petrovic attacked him following her failed pursuit of singles gold, showcasing Adonis’ versatility in character work[2].

Sources close to Ashante indicate that he is eager to explore open doors outside WWE, potentially including major American independent promotions, international circuits, and possibly AEW or Impact Wrestling. According to a WWE insider, “Ashante has always been a passionate performer looking to elevate his craft, and now that his contract is up, he wants to take control of his narrative and grow without limitation.” Industry pundits speculate his blend of athleticism, charisma, and ring psychology could make him an immediate asset elsewhere.

This departure continues a recent trend as WWE sees creative changes and roster adjustments following management’s renewed focus on rebuilding its talent pool. For fans, Ashante’s exit marks the end of an era for a beloved athlete who made a significant mark in NXT’s mid-card and tag divisions.

For the latest on other NXT and WWE contract updates, including news on Karrion Kross and Scarlett, Fightful and WWE.com remain top resources[1].

Ashante “Thee” Adonis leaves WWE with a strong fanbase and promising potential, and wrestling observers will be keenly watching his next moves as he charts his career beyond the WWE spotlight.

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