The latest backstage WWE releases could involve those who fell into two specific categories. Also, Sabu has opted to retire as his back is in bad shape.
Backstage News On Latest WWE Releases
Yesterday, there was talk of WWE making another round of cuts. Unfortunately, that happened with over a dozen wrestlers from the main roster and NXT let go.
Currently, there are two major topics of discussion on what led to the departures. Those who were openly unvaccinated and also up in age could have played a factor.
Fightful Select reports that at least five of the superstars released were not vaccinated. Also, it was noted that WWE was legally allowed to terminate the contracts.
Nia Jax has been very vocal about not getting the vaccine. She would state that her immunity could battle COVID.
Interestedly enough, she was let go. She was unsafe in the ring, but the timing of the release might involve her defiant stance against the vaccine.
Another person against getting the vaccine is Karrion Kross. And, like Nia Jax, he was sent packing alongside his fiancée, Scarlett.
A growing problem with the unvaccinated is they are not allowed in some venues. Nowadays, showing proof of the vaccine is required.
Age Could Have Been Possible Role In Latest WWE Releases
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer went over WWE’s mindset about older wrestlers.
“Age is also likely a part in many of the decisions because the company is well aware that they don’t have enough talent in their 20s on television and are looking at recruiting bigger, younger and people with more of a legitimate athletic background going forward,” said Meltzer. “The new directives on hiring new women is the recommendations are 25 or younger.”
Age should never be and issue a d I’m sick of ppl using that as a reason that someone should lose their job. I’m a women, a wife a mother to 2 dogs, an aunt and a friend. Nobody should EVER say that 38 is old. GROW UPPPPP https://t.co/sHmVp27fx0
— TAYA VALKYRIE (@FrankyMonetWWE) November 5, 2021
As for age, WWE let go a mix of talent in their 20s and some closer to their 40s. WWE is known for either signing young talent or someone past their prime.
The reason for the releases was cited as budgetary cuts.
ECW Icon Sabu Retires
Source: WrestlePurists, Twitter, Screenshot
One of the most known hardcore wrestlers of the past few generations is done. Sabu, who is 57 years old, stated he is retired because of a back issue.
“I’m not doing real good,” said Sabu to Wrestling Shoot Interviews. “I hurt my back about a year ago and it’s still been hurting.”
“Wrestled a couple of weeks ago but I shouldn’t have. I’ve only wrestled like twice in the last year [and] I only went to the gym a couple of times the last year cause I hurt my back.”
“I’m probably not gonna wrestle no more. I’m probably just gonna do autograph signings and personal appearance-type stuff.”
Sabu gained notoriety as part of ECW. His hardcore style led him to hold their tag team and world titles. After ECW, he found some success in XPW before that closed too.
Also, he had a short run in WWE when they brought back their version of ECW. Considering the brutal matches Sabu has been in, the fact that he can stand is amazing.
Hopefully, unlike most, he stays true to his word and does not return inside the ring.
