Bray Wyatt's WWE release reportedly isn't sitting well with multiple people in the company.
Nearly 20 people in WWE spoke to Fightful Select (h/t WrestlingInc.com) about Wyatt's release. Many of them told Fightful that they're frustrated about his release. On top of that, some veteran wrestlers don't feel as though their jobs in WWE are safe.
On Saturday, WWE announced that they had released Wyatt from his contract, thus ending his 12-year tenure with the company. Wyatt, who hadn't appeared on television in nearly four months, was reportedly informed by John Laurinaitis that his release was due go due to budget cuts.
Wyatt's release came as a massive surprise the wrestling world. The veteran fan favorite was among the company's top mid-card and main event performers, and he was seemingly set to return to WWE this month.
Since April of last year, WWE has released a large number of wrestlers plus other staffers (including producers and on-air personalities). Budget cuts have been cited as the reason for the series of releases. Wyatt's brother, Bo Dallas, was let go from his contract back in April.
Wyatt's final WWE appearance transpired back on the Apr. 12 episode of Monday Night Raw, one day after he lost to Randy Orton in a singles match at WrestleMania 37. Wyatt explained that he was looking for a fresh start in a "Firefly Fun House" segment. Obviously, it was impossible to predict at the time that this would mark his last outing with WE.
WWE Could Regret Releasing Bray Wyatt
WWE chairman Vince McMahon doesn't view AEW as serious competition. But releasing marquee talents like Wyatt is bad for WWE business, and if he finds greater success outside of AEW or another promotion, WWE may very well regret releasing him. Wyatt was a top merchandise seller for the company and yet was greatly underused for far too long. It's safe to say that he'll do much better in his next wrestling chapter.