Following the news that Bray Wyatt has been released by WWE a new report is now able to give more information on what led to his shock departure.
Shortly after it was confirmed that Wyatt had left WWE Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted that Wyatt was told his release was due to budget cuts. Adding that the former world champion had in fact been preparing to return in August.
A new report from Fightful Select has corroborated that information before adding more details.
The report revealed that it was Johnny Ace (Laurinaitis) who ultimately handled the call while also informing other WWE talent. Those within WWE were apparently shocked by the suggestion that Wyatt’s departure was related to budget cuts as he is seen as a money maker and great merchandise seller when he was active.
In addition, the report notes that Wyatt’s name was brought up during a recent round of talent cuts but remained with the company. The report closes by saying that Wyatt had become very protective over his character after recent creative decisions.
“Fightful has been told that the creative team had been relayed that Wyatt was getting protective of his character after what were seen as poor creative decisions and ideas thrown his way, though many members of the team didn’t speak to Wyatt directly and weren’t sure if it was hearsay.”
Posting on Twitter, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp wrote that numerous wrestlers contacted him after Hell In A Cell 2019 and when Wyatt was defeated in short order by Goldberg, saying they were confused and upset. Sapp adds that this caused one wrestler in particular hold back on making creative pitches.
I remember a whole lot of "let it play out" and "this won't ruin Bray Wyatt" tweets from fans after Hell in a Cell 2019 and the Goldberg loss, meanwhile wrestlers were messaging me confused or upset. One even held off making their creative pitches after seeing how Bray's went
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) July 31, 2021
In addition, Mike Johnson of PWInsider has given his own update on the situation. Johnson confirms that budget cuts were the reason given before revealing that one source has “pointed the finger squarely at WWE President Nick Khan and CFO Kristina Salen.” Adding that the pair are “obsessed” with the company not being on iota in the red.
The report goes on to say that the relationship between Vince McMahon and Wyatt at times ran very “hot and cold.”
During his time in WWE, Bray Wyatt became a two-time Universal Champion as well as lifting the WWE Championship. The demonic cult leader also captured tag team gold on two occasions.
Bray Wyatt originally signed with WWE back in 2009, debuting on the main roster as Husky Harris the following year. However, it wasn’t until a stint in NXT in 2012 that Wyatt emerged as his most famous character.
Alexa Bliss, who performed alongside Wyatt during his run as ‘The Fiend’ paid tribute on social media to an “amazing talent.”