WWE announced on Tuesday - just hours before SmackDown Live aired - that they've released Big Cass from his contract, without wishing him the best in his future endeavors.
The news shocked many fans and wrestling pundits, with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio admitting they didn't know the reasoning for WWE's decision.
But on Tuesday evening, we finally learned more details. Citing sources, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reported that Big Cass was let go because of "personal conduct issues." This included him drinking heavily during WWE's European tour in May, and that he had "attitude issues," when consuming alcohol.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet added that another incident on a bus "chauffeuring talent," led to Cass' release. Sources told them that Big Cass went to use the bathroom on the bus, but the lock on the door was broken.
Big Cass thought that other talents on the bus were pranking him, and he got angry and broke the door down. This was just one multiple incidents involving Cass that rubbed officials the wrong way.
As Barrasso noted, Big Cass was one of Vince McMahon's personal favorites behind the scenes, but his drinking and attitude problems began to rub officials the wrong way. Vince fired him at a meeting on Tuesday before SmackDown went on the air. Interestingly, Barrasso also said Cass "impressed WWE execs," when he faced Daniel Bryan at Money in the Bank on Sunday.
Big Cass was rumored to be in line for a major push last year, especially after he broke up with long-time tag team partner, Enzo Amore. However, Cass tore his ACL during their Brooklyn Street Fight match, and he was out of action for eight months.
Despite his good size and top-notch abilities to pull off the heel character, Big Cass - like Enzo - had too many issues backstage that could not be resolved. As such, WWE felt it was necessary to part ways with one of their top young talents.