There appears to be more to the story on why Steve Cutler was released by WWE this week.
Deonna Purrazzo noted that she and Cutler tested positive for COVID-19 in January and Fightful reported that their release was due to Cutler testing positive. However, Dave Meltzer noted in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Cutler was released because of a disciplinary reason and Vince McMahon was livid with him.
Meltzer noted that the belief is that his release had to do with him attending a New Year’s Eve party with other wrestlers. There were photos posted online that have since been deleted. Cutler tested positive soon after the party.
McMahon had promised a few wrestlers (Roman Reigns included) that there would be a safe environment and Cutler was around the talent after the party so he was fired on the day when he was in the big guys class at the Performance Center.
.@SteveCutlerWWE & I had tested positive for COVID, the beginning of January. We had no symptoms but took all precautions necessary.
Thanks for the well wishes but we are healthy and in good spirits. When one door closes, another opens. ❤️
— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) February 5, 2021