You may have noticed a few WWE names -- particularly those who left on their own accord -- hadn't been speaking to the media of late. There's a reason for that -- they legally couldn't.
Fightful has learned that the WWE had "gag" orders on several former WWE talents that were a part of their Spring releases. We've confirmed that former WWE Intercontinental and Tag Team Champion Cody Rhodes was one of those names, at least until July.
While Rhodes has accepted several bookings, including a major one as a participant in Pro Wrestling Guerilla's Battle Of Los Angeles, he'd not granted any interviews until the calendar rolled over in to July. This is due to a stipulation mandated in Rhodes' early release from the WWE.
The nine-year WWE veteran asked for his release from the company in late May, citing his frustration with the creative direction of the WWE as a primary reason. Rhodes also revealed that he'd grown tired of portraying the Stardust during his explanation as to why he requested his release papers. Rhodes was granted his formal release on May 22.
Rhodes' wife Brandi, who performed for the WWE as Eden also asked for her release, as did Wade Barrett, but we've been unable to confirm as to whether or not they have a similar "gag order" in place. Neither one of the two have granted interviews to the media since their release. Oher names such as Hornswoggle, Rich Brennan, Santino Marella, Damien Sandow and Cameron have all participated in interviews since being cut this spring.
