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 Charlie Haas and Jackie on the way to the ring in Calgary in September. -photo by Jason Clevett |
Following the cost-cutting measures on the WWE roster over the last few days, a few of the released wrestlers have taken to the Internet to address their unplanned departures.
Since Tuesday, WWE has released Spike Dudley, Kevin "Mordecai" Fertig, Maven, Mark Jindrak, Shannon Moore, James "Akio" Yun, David "Gangrel" Heath, Billy Kidman, Kenzo Suzuki, Matt Morgan, Jackie Gayda, Charlie Haas, Joy Giovanni, Dawn Marie and Marty Jannetty. It also announced that Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley's contracts would not be renegotiated once they expire.
Spike Dudley was by far the most vocal of the releasees, spouting off on the message board at www.spikedudley.net.
And in more ways than one. First, yes I'm gone from the WWE. Does it sting? Hell, yeah. Especially since I've always been one of their "model" employees. It makes sense that I was released, I don't bitch, moan, groan or suck. I just didn't fit in with what the WWE puts on tv. No, I'm only kidding(but not really). It was my turn and that's the nature of the beast. The WWE is a sinking ship. Cursed by owning 100% of the industry, I can see how they couldn't afford my outrageous salary in these times of number crunching. Hey, they gave me a great oppurtunity and maybe I didn't make the most of it. That's life. At first I was pissed, but I woke up this morning feeling, I don't know, alive. Check this out, this morning I woke up and visioned having a wrestling match without a script. I visioned going to an arena and actually having fun again. I visioned not having to go to the hospital after being hurt by a "future" WWE superstar who may look good but have the wrestling ability of a dead walrus. I visioned pitching an angle without having to get approval from writers who 6 years ago were buying ECW tickets and making signs(it's true). Hell, I visioned blading!!! I really don't want to burn bridges(if I haven't already) and all that, but that company sucks the life out of you and then spits you out. Enough on them.
I want to love wreslting again. I want to be passionate about the business. It's been so good to me, I want to give back. I don't know how yet, but it will happen.
Right now, I'm going to chill. I've got some time to sit back and re-evaluate life, smell some roses and get my head straight. I doubt you've seen the last of me. And if anything it's a blessing. Nothing sucks worse than working for a company that doesn't respect you. Paul E.(God bless him) proved that to me. Now I don't have to worry about it.
Majik, you f'n rock. Big boost this morning, thank you. I'll be in touch.
Everyone in Dudleyville, you all are the best. My many thanks to everyone for the support and love you've shown. Now that I'm on my own I will be back more often, so it's fun time. I can't name everyone but you know who you are. Keep the faith, and if anyone is hiring get in touch.
Thanks guys,
Spike "no more tears" Dudley
Newlyweds Charlie Haas and Jackie Gayda were a little more diplomatic about their release, and send a message to their fans via haasofpain.com and jackiegayda.com:
Charlie and Jackie would like to thank all of the fans who have supported them over the years. Even though they are no longer wrestling with WWE any longer they will still be very involved with wrestling, whether it be overseas, ROH or independents.
At www.matt-morgan.org, the webmaster shared his experience talking to Morgan:
I just got off the phone with Matt, and he has told me WWE called him just a little while ago and released him from his contract. With the recent 9 releases including Mark Jindrak, Maven, Billy Kidman, Mark Lloyd, Gangrel, Mordecai (Kevin Fertig), Akio, Spike Dudley. Matt making it 10th this is a shocker.
I can't put into words how mad I am at the WWE for doing this... Matt still wants to keep the site up, and I'm still going to continue to run it, so I hope you all stick by the site, and remain being visitors. What's next for Matt? time will tell...
Matt's final Appearance will be this Thursday on Smackdown... if the WWE even chooses to air the segment as planned.
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On the flip side, WWE announced Wednesday that they had signed former ECW and WCW wrestler Big Vito, and he is scheduled for Monday's Raw TV taping at the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey. It is also expected that Brock Lesnar will sign a new contract today at WWE headquarters in Connecticut.