Reason For WWE Releasing Several Names This Week

WWE cleaned house this week by letting go of four employees in Arn Anderson, Tye Dillinger, TJP and Hideo Itami. During the Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer went into detail on what led to those names departing WWE.

Of everyone let go, backstage producer Arn Anderson was the biggest shock as he is friends with big names Triple H, John Cena and is also well liked by his peers. Vince McMahon and Anderson had apparently not been on the best of terms in recent years. Something occurred at a live event that McMahon did not approve of and that led to his departure. It was stated that Anderson took responsibility for whatever happened.  

Anderson was known to agree with talent if they believed that creative was not doing them justice, so this did not help his standing with McMahon. Some think that Anderson will join All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in the form of a producer role due to the high praise he received from working with WWE for the last 18 years. 

Dillinger was doing well during his second run in NXT with the Perfect 10 gimmick. Despite the gimmick being over, Dillinger was quickly sent to the bottom of the ladder on the main roster. He just returned to action after being out since October with a hand injury. This past Tuesday, Dillinger posted on social media that he requested his WWE release.

On the 205 Live side, TJP and Itami also left. There are several rumors floating around on what led to TJP’s departure, with disciplinary reasons being the main cause. The WWE locker room is said to be one large family and the first WWE Cruiserweight Champion (since the title was relaunched) rubbed people the wrong way.

In January, Itami asked to be let go due to frustration with his character. The Japanese star was considered a major signing, but he struggled from the start. He suffered several injuries in NXT that left him on the sidelines for over a year. He joined the main roster and quickly fractured the face of The Brian Kendrick performing the GTS. He continued to float around NXT, never reaching his full potential. He finished up with WWE at the Royal Rumble.