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Welcome to another edition of the daily WWE Rumor Roundup where we try and bring the biggest backstage stories and rumors from the world of WWE. The company released several top names yesterday. These names include former Universal Champion Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Ruby Riott, Murphy, Santana Garrett, and Lana.
These untimely releases came as a massive shock not just to the WWE Universe but to the locker room as well. Multiple top superstars took to social media to express their displeasure at WWE's call to release such talented names.
In today's edition of the rumor roundup, we will take an in-depth look at why WWE released so many of these superstars and how backstage reaction to these releases has been.
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#5 Real reason why Braun Strowman was released by WWE
Fightful Select has reported that Braun Strowman's big contract with WWE is what led to his ouster from the company. The former Universal Champion had signed a four-year deal with the company in 2019 where he made approximately $1 million each year.
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T expounded on these rumors and revealed that during budget cuts, superstars with big-money contracts are at risk of being released.
''You know, if it is true, the rumors out there saying Braun Strowman had a huge contract and he was making a lot of money. When doing budget cuts, that's the one thing you're going to be thinking of - 'Who do we really need? Who's the guy we really need here to keep this thing running?'" said Booker T.
Although Booker T admitted that Strowman is an enigma, he questioned how many guys on the roster could The Monster Among Men be paired up with. From a business standpoint, he believes that WWE might not have seen enough value in Braun Strowman.
#4 Tom Phillips recalled the time when Stephanie McMahon slapped him in WWE
Former WWE lead announcer Tom Phillips spoke about the time he was slapped by Stephanie McMahon on air. Phillips had been with WWE for a long time, serving as a backstage interviewer and commentator and also helped with some backstage roles over the course of his career.
Unfortunately, he was released by WWE a few days back. Speaking on Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, Phillips recalled the time he was slapped by Stephanie McMahon.
“I never took a conventional bump in the ring but there was one,” Phillips recalled. “I think it was before Christmas in 2015, I think it was the Slammys, which was also coinciding with RAW, and Stephanie McMahon just slapped me, for lack of a better term. But yeah, knew about it and everything. It was so much fun.''
Phillips gave further details about the segment and revealed that McMahon had made 'full contact' while slapping him repeatedly. Though he might have been the recipient of Stephanie McMahon's on-screen ire, he had a lot of praise for her as a person.
#3 Possible reason why Aleister Black was released by WWE
One of the names whose WWE release shocked everyone the most was that of Aleister Black. The former NXT Champion made his return a few weeks back and was amidst a push. He was set to feud with former Intercontinental Champion Big E before his untimely release from the company.
Though the 'budget cuts' were the official reason given for Black's release, Booker T believes that Black was not a top star material in WWE. Speaking about The Dutch Destroyer, Booker T said that while he had a cool entrance and ring-geat, he did not stand out as a talent.
''Aleister Black is a good worker, but I'm looking for (a) guy that's 'talent'. I'm looking for (a) guy that's going to go out and do things totally different than everybody else on the roster. Aleister Black had his MMA get-up, his kung fu, karate, Black Mass for the finisher,'' said Booker T.
Booker T said that a cool gimmick does not mean that the smoke and mirrors associated with it will help you get over with the crowd.
#2 Original plans for Aleister Black's first title win in WWE
Soon after WWE announced his release from the company, Aleister Black held a live stream on his wife Thea Trinidad's (fka Zelina Vega in WWE) Twitch channel. The former NXT Champion talked about his time in WWE and gave some interesting antidotes.
Black revealed that there had been plans for him to become the US Champion in WWE which were nixed by Vince McMahon. He said that the reason why McMahon did not want him to become the US Champion was because he felt that Black's first title win on the main roster should happen in front of a live audience.
"Funny story, there was a moment where I was actually supposed to win the US title, but then Vince's consensus were 'I don't wanna have him have his first title win in front of no audience'. So, there was always good stuff going on. Like there's a lot of good stories, a lot of like almost happened moments. So I can't be negative," said Aleister Black.
Black spoke about his backstage relationship with Vince McMahon and said that he always had a good bond with the WWE Chairman.
#1 Backstage details on Murphy's behavior in WWE
Former Cruiserweight Champion Murphy was one of the names let go by the WWE yesterday. Though he is very talented, his release has not come as a big surprise as The Best Kept Secret has not been used in WWE much this year.
Fightful Select reported that Murphy was considered easy to work with and was always receptive to creative ideas for him. However, he wasn't factored in any major plans lately.
Former RAW Tag Team Champion Murphy tweeted shortly after his release and sounded confident about his future away from WWE.
"So Today ends my 8 years with WWE! What a crazy ride! Highest of Highs, Lowest of Lows, but weather [sic] I had 3 minutes or 20 minutes I put all my effort into my performances! Nothing is harder when all you want to do is wrestle but you can't! In my opinion I haven't even hit my peak yet," Murphy tweeted.
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