More on WWE Releasing Drake Wuertz & Velveteen Dream

As noted before, WWE released several wrestlers and referees from their NXT brand this week. Among those released were NXT referee Drake Wuertz and Velveteen Dream.

More on Drake Wuertz’s Release

Fightful Select reported that those spoken to within NXT’s locker room did not have nice things to say about Wuertz. Several talent stated that Wuertz had “nuclear heat brought on by himself” for the better part of the past year due to his issues with not following WWE’s rules on mask wearing, being outspoken about vaccinations, and his “politicking” behind the scenes.

In regards to his backstage politicking, it was reported that Wuertz on several occasions had positioned himself for better backstage roles in the company and went as far as trying to put heat on others to improve his chances of getting what he wanted.

In regards to his interactions with others backstage, it was reported that several minorities within NXT took exception with some of the racist-like language being made by Wuertz. NXT officials reportedly were informed on multiple occasions by talent of these inappropriate comments being made by him while at work. It was also reported that there was one incident of a physical situation almost occurring backstage between Wuertz and NXT talent Ezra Judge over this issue.

It was also reported that Wuertz was involved in an incident backstage last year over a meeting Triple H held with talent over the Black Live Matter movement and him mentioning that “all people, races, genders, and religions were welcomed” in the company. Wuertz reportedly took issue with the “religions” portion of Triple H’s comments and stormed out of the meeting in anger.

It was also reported that at least ten talent spoken to stated that they did not feel comfortable or safe being around Wuertz at the Performance Center. Multiple talent reportedly were also not comfortable having Wuertz referee their matches.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that following his release, Wuertz had started contacting other promotions for work and confirming his status as a free agent in the market. Johnson reported that Wuertz had been among the first people cut by WWE this past Wednesday.

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More on Velveteen Dream’s Release

Fightful Select reported that Dream had been absent backstage from many NXT tapings in recent times and had been showing up often to open ring sessions instead at the Performance Center.

It was reported that there was a “growing concern” within the company that Dream was being positioned to become a coach and teach classes at the Performance Center.

It was also reported that an internal email was sent at around 4:45PM EST on Thursday informing those within the company of Dream’s release. Dream reportedly was given a 30-days non-compete clause similar to the other NXT talent who were released this past Wednesday.