My Monday column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review looks at the eight talents WWE released and why someone like Damien Sandow could be making more money than in WWE. Here’s an excerpt:
Eight talents are entering a new chapter in their careers after WWE released them Friday.
Damien Sandow, Wade Barrett, Alex Riley, Santino Marella, Zeb Colter, Hornswoggle, El Torito and Cameron were part of what is becoming an annual business move by WWE — often referred to as “Bloody Friday” — in which the company wishes a group of performers the best in their future endeavors.
For female superstar Cameron, this came as no surprise. The only purpose she has served in the past few years is her time as a cast member on the reality show “Total Divas” on E!. She has been outspoken and gone against the WWE grain. Cameron revealed in September she sought in-ring training not sanctioned by WWE in order to improve her stock with the company.
I look at Cameron and think WWE already has someone who plays the same character better with more all-around talent: Sasha Banks. The sassy, in-charge wrestler with street-smart swagger casting is better than Cameron. Not sure where we’ll see Cameron next, but I’d be surprised if it’s on television with another wrestling promotion.
El Torito was great in the role of the bull-costumed mascot/manager for the Los Matadores tag team. He was the most entertaining part of any of their matches or segments. Now that Los Matadores are being repackaged as the Puerto Rico-repping Colon brothers, , I don’t see any spot for El Torito in WWE’s current landscape.
Hornswoggle was the other little person WWE had on its roster. He has had a career to be proud of. He has been with WWE since 2006, which is an accomplishment considering there aren’t many wrestlers on WWE’s roster who can claim that.
Hornswoggle made the best of whatever was given to him in the different stages of his character’s evolution. I’m not surprised he was released, given the lack of consistent usage WWE’s had for him in the past few years. A talented performer and well-liked guy among his peers, I have no doubt he’ll be booked for other wrestling appearances or promotions.
Zeb Colter’s manager character had been phased out of WWE programming. That’s unfortunate, because it was entertaining. It’s also surprising, given the political climate in this country, that WWE couldn’t use Colter’s character in different formats, even if it’s just skits or commentary for their digital platform.
Colter’s alternate character, Dutch Mantel, is a veteran whose creativity and experience could be an asset on a young roster of wrestlers. I look forward to seeing where he pops up. He is a prime candidate for a wrestling podcast.
CLICK HERE for what’s next for Wade Barrett and why Damien Sandow could be making more money soon.
