Bray Wyatt’s WWE release is a big talking point at the live events this weekend.
As noted earlier, Fightful reported that many of the veteran talent in the company no longer feel like their job is safe since the company has been releasing more names from higher up in the card.
Fightful reported that although the talent was told that “budget cuts” is the reason for Wyatt’s release, many don’t believe that and that “almost nobody” believes the reason being given. Dave Meltzer reported on Saturday that John Laurinaitis told Wyatt that budget cuts were the reason.
It appears that WWE is indeed looking to cut down on some of the high-paying salaries. Braun Strowman was one of the highest paid names in the company but there is talk of bringing him back if he’s willing to accept less money. Before he signed with AEW, there was also talk about trying to bring back Aleister Black.
The difference between Wyatt and some of the other names that have been released this year is that he sold a lot of merchandise.
A version of Wyatt’s “Fiend” gimmick lives on with Alexa Bliss, so WWE has figured out a way to make money off the character without the large contract on the books. Mickie James was one of many wrestlers to offer support to Wyatt but she also ripped WWE for taking the gimmick ideas and using those ideas for Bliss.
