Fightful has learned some additional details on recent WWE releases, which were involved in WWE's November 18's budget cuts.
Drake Maverick: Maverick was called up to WWE's main roster, and as highlighted by his video that he published minutes after his release, had to have some idea it was coming. Those we spoke to backstage said that Maverick was always willing to make the most of any situation presented to him.
Tegan Nox: Nox was called up and we're told that plans changed for her numerous times along the way. She, among others, were not told what brand they'd be going to, and actually learned that her tag team with Shotzi would be split up on social media.
Hit Row: We haven't heard anything specifically about Hit Row as a unit, outside of that AJ Francis' polarizing reaction on Twitter did carry over to some within the company. a couple of internal WWE sources compared it to Greg Hamilton "getting a little too comfortable." We were told this was not the specific factor leading to his release or that of the group, but was an internal observation. There were others that enjoyed his approach within the company.
At the same time, one of the sources said that Top Dolla was also highly regarded for his hosting ability and dedication to the Hit Row team. He was once considered to host Raw Underground before they went a different direction.
There were some significant creative pitches for Hit Row, we just haven't heard how far they got. There was plenty of back and forth internally as to who should lead as the singles talent in the group, if they should be faces or heels, and the direction for them in general.
Completely separate of Hit Row, we've heard from officials involved in multiple companies, including major ones, who have indicated that they already have interest in bringing in Swerve Scott/Strickland. For those wondering, he has a 90-day no-compete clause.
Jaxson Ryker: Ryker is the one case of all the releases that we're told had an incredible amount of heat. Fightful learned that Ryker largely "laid low" when some of the initial heat died down, but there were many that we had spoken with that took issue with Ryker being the reason that Wesley Blake and Steve Maclin were taken off TV, only to have Ryker return to TV before them. Most expected him to be a part of earlier cuts, and one source in creative said that it was evident that the character wasn't getting over when fans returned, calling it an "uphill battle to get a reaction."
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