Damon Kemp was suspicious, but stunned, about his WWE release.
The former NXT star revealed in July that he was no longer under a WWE contract. This came as a shock to many, considering the 25-year had been wrestling regularly on NXT up until then.
The former Damon Kemp spoke with Monte & The Pharaoh (H/T POST Wrestling) about his WWE release. He revealed that he was left off the TNA tapings with the rest of the No Quarter Catch Crew near his contract expiry, which made him question what was going on.
“There was the other three members of No Quarter Catch Crew, plus the guy they added, Tavion Heights. They went to TNA for the pre-taped shows about two weeks before. I was left off, and there was no explanation—just one of the guys coming up to me and asking, ‘Hey, did you get the text?’ When I said no, I realized something was off. My contract was expiring the following month, so I started questioning what was happening.”
“I had a conversation with someone influential, and he assured me that in two or three months, the Heritage Cup would come back to us, and we’d all be champions, defending it as planned. He praised my connection with the crowd, my in-ring skills, and my promos. It was reassuring at the time, but as my contract was nearing its end, I inquired about re-signing. I wanted to stay, so I asked who I should talk to about my contract.”
“Unfortunately, everyone was in Toronto for the PPV, so I couldn’t speak to anyone face-to-face. That Monday, I waited to discuss my contract but the person I needed to talk to never showed up, as they had landed on Sunday and had Monday off.”
Damon Kemp: I Was Stunned At Being Let Go
Damon Kemp went on to talk about how he thought he was being called into talent relations for a contract renewal. However, he was “stunned” when told his contract was not being renewed.
He was told he had 30 days left on his deal. Considering he was booked for TV the day, it completely blindsided him.
“Later that evening, Talent Relations called me. I thought it might be about my contract renewal. But instead, they informed me, ‘Hey Damon, we appreciate everything, but we’ve decided not to renew you.’ I was taken aback and stunned. Especially after our recent positive discussion. I was baffled, processing the sudden turn of events.”
“They told me there was no need to come to TV or the Performance Center anymore, and I had 30 days left. It was especially shocking because I was booked for TV the very next day. The timing was completely unexpected. Despite the way it ended, I have no regrets about my time there. I loved it and would go back if given the chance.”
He Hopes Release Has Nothing To Do With Gable Steveson
Damon Kemp continued, and said he hopes that him being let go has nothing to do with Gable Steveson’s departure from the WWE.
His brother, who is an Olympic Gold Medallist, was let go by the WWE earlier this year, after disappointing in his brief time with the company.
Damon Kemp also noted that he wants to keep wrestling, but also has plans to work in Hollywood too.
“I hope not (that my release is not connected to my brother’s departure). I hope not. Like I mentioned, it was real fun, and it was great for me so, I just hope not it wasn’t one of those things, you know? So, that’s all I really have to say on that one.”
“Yeah, I think so. I know so because I dedicated three years of my life to this. So I think it’d be pretty stupid just to throw all that talent away just to walk onto something else. But, I would like to keep wrestling. I would like to sign somewhere else pretty soon. I’m hungry to work.” Damon Kemp said.
“I’ve got my eyes on a few companies. I’m excited. So I’m just really hoping that whatever big opportunity comes — I’ve also got plans to go Hollywood. I got some great things going in that direction so, you might see me on your TV screen, not taking bumps, you know? Maybe just doing a little acting, a little something. So that’s something to look forward to.”
