Rick Boogs was released by WWE, but the former superstar believes he would still be there if Vince McMahon had not lost so much power.
Rick Boogs Claims Vince McMahon WWE Exit Squashed His Push
It is the dream of many to join WWE, but it is not for everyone. Even those who manage to sign on the dotted-line do not last forever.
When the pandemic hit, WWE released a bunch of names. This included office workers and wrestlers.
One of those let go was Rick Boogs in September 2023. While speaking to Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Boogs suggested Vince McMahon’s removal changed direction for his character.
“If you look at it objectively, look at my NXT run and then look at when I was seen by Vince and look at that run,” said Boogs. “Then, when management and the whole regime changed again, look at that run.”
“Grudge isn’t the right word. In development, I was told, ‘You have an awesome personality, and people like you, and the crowd is with you. Just keep getting better in the ring.’”
“Basically, with that regime, that’s all I ever heard. Dude, this is scripted television. We can make this whatever. It’s frustrating.”
Boogs initially appeared on WWE TV as part of an Old Spice commercial for WrestleMania 37. By the following year, Boogs was teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura.
The two challenged The Usos in the opening match of WrestleMania 38, which also saw fans return. Although, Boogs tore his quadriceps/patellar tendon in the middle of the match and Nakamura had to wrestle basically solo.
Despite being traded twice while recovering, WWE released Boogs. The 36 year old has no desire to compete for another company and has retired from pro wrestling.
So, would Vince McMahon have done better booking Rick Boogs?
