WWE News: Backstage Updates On Two Recently-Released Superstars With An Axe To Grind


With a half a year still remaining, the top story in WWE in 2016 is certainly yet to be determined. But through the first six months of the year, there are plenty of worthy nominees: Shane McMahon’s return, Roman Reigns’ suspension, Brock Lesnar’s decision to return to the UFC, the announcement that WWE would again initiate a brand extension, and the roster purge that occurred in May are the front-runners to this point.

The latter claimed the WWE wrestling careers of Damien Sandow, Alex Riley, Hornswoggle, Zeb Colter, Christian, Cameron, Santino, Wade Barrett, and El Torito. Joining them in the ensuing months were Ryback, Adam Rose, and Cody Rhodes. What’s ironic about the WWE’s decision to cut ties with so many superstars is that with the impending brand split on the horizon, they will need to replenish their talent pool in order to fill out two distinct rosters.

El Torito was among the first wave of cuts, while Cody Rhodes’ creative frustration finally led him to request his own release, which was granted back in May. Today they are linked with post-WWE news, only by the fact that information was released around the same time and nothing else.

[Image via WWE]

According to the Daily Wrestling News, El Torito conducted an interview in Mexico where said that despite enjoying his three-year run with the WWE, he knew in advance what he was signing up for. There is a perception among Americans regarding minis and how they should or should not be portrayed on television or in a wrestling ring. El Torito felt he had a lot more to offer to the company, but knew he’d never get that chance. He appreciated the few opportunities he was given, like appearing in a Royal Rumble and his Wee-L-C match with Hornswoggle. Torito expressed gratitude towards the WWE for supporting him during his surgery that kept him out of action, and the one superstar who stood up for him the most backstage was Alberto Del Rio.

Cody Rhodes’ near nine-year WWE career came to an end after repeated frustrations with how he was used, and mainly for never getting an opportunity to showcase his talents on a main-event level. We recently noted that the WWE offered Rhodes a legends deal, mainly for merchandise purposes.

WWE executive Mark Carrano (the same official who ordered Roman Reigns to apologize to the rest of the locker room by way of Triple H) called Rhodes about signing the deal initially. Rhodes was considering the offer under the condition that the conversation remain confidential. Obviously, word leaked out that the offer was made, and not from Rhodes’ camp. Cody is now upset that the agreement was breached and no deal has been signed since, though that could change in the near future.

[Image via WWE]

Rhodes has since made a wish list of opponents following his WWE departure, most of which are being granted throughout the independent circuit. The artist formerly known as Stardust will get the chance to face Johnny Gargano, Mike Bennett, Jushin Thunder Liger, and, most notably, Kurt Angle. El Torito gained plenty of experience working the independents as well as the AAA promotion before arriving in WWE, but nothing has been announced as far as his next chapter to this point.

Rhodes, Ryback, and Rose have been the most outspoken since walking out of the WWE, and though the industry is partially built on the “never say never” mantra, their paths to get back there will certainly be the most difficult. El Torito and Hornswoggle are the last of the minis to perform at the highest level of the business, and it remains to be seen whether we’ll see the company go that route again in the future.

[Image via WWE]

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