WWE has reportedly released former UFC champion Cain Velasquez, according to a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Neither WWE nor Velasquez has commented on the news at this time.
While there’s no official word on why Velasquez was released, it isn’t hard to guess why. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, WWE announced that they would be cutting back company spending across the board, including halting production on their new headquarters, and cutting staff and live performers. The company made good on their promise and over the past few weeks has released over 20 active performers, as well as members of their referee and announce team, in addition to the furlough of a large number of their corporate staff.
Meltzer noted that that Velasquez was signed to a giant multi-year deal which is likely a big part of why he was cut. The former UFC star hasn’t been seen on WWE programing since the Crown Jewel PPV event on October 31, 2019 in Saudi Arabia.
It was initially being reported by several outlets that WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco was also released from WWE. Brisco took to Twitter to squash the rumors and inform concerned fans that he has not been released, he’s been furloughed.
https://twitter.com/Fgbrisco/status/1255135228865114112
The 73 year old Brisco has been with the company since 1984 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008. His most recent role was as a talent scout for WWE’s NXT brand.
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