WWE: Top Dolla on Him Having Backstage Heat, WALTER Update, New Ring Names, Trademarks

WWE

Nov 20, 2021

Top Dolla Responds to Reports of Him Having Backstage Heat in WWE

As noted before, WWE released eight wrestler this past Thursday. Among the wrestlers released included Top Dolla, real name A.J. Francis, who is rumored to had been dealing with backstage heat issues prior to his release.

Top Dolla recently responded on Twitter to reports that he “rubbed people the wrong way” during his time in WWE. Top Dolla also claimed that he was disrespected by others during his time in the company but acted professional over it.

Here’s what rubs people the wrong way.

-Standing up for your own. When Bri was released and I called the office myself to tell them they made a mistake.

-Standing up for yourself. Ppl in the PC told me “Hit Row” wouldn’t work for a year and a half & I never took their advice. https://t.co/MFeHIjjCAx
— A.J. Francis aka FRAN¢ (@AJFrancis410) November 19, 2021

WALTER Status Update

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE officials recently held talks again regarding potential plans for NXT UK talent WALTER moving to the United States.

Meltzer reported that while WALTER was primarily signed to a NXT UK deal due to him not wanting to move to the United States for family reasons, he still was willing to travel to the U.S. to occasionally work for WWE’s NXT brand.

Meltzer reported that WALTER recently split up with his wife and is currently dating NXT UK talent Jinny based on recent social media postings from both. Meltzer also reported that WALTER is no longer affiliated with Westside Xtreme Wrestling and no longer works at his management job for a logistics company due to his WWE job now becoming his full-time job.

WWE Reportedly Changes Ring Names of Several Talent

WWE reportedly recently changed the ring names of several talent and referees, according to PWInsider.

Mike Johnson reported that WWE recently signed Kellie Morga to an official contract with the company and has given her the ring name of Mila Malani.

Three referees reportedly were also given new ring names going forward. Referee Aja Smith will now be known as Daphne Lashaunn, DA Brewer will now be known as Dallas Irvin, and Tom Castor will now be known as Derek Sanders going forward.

In a separate report, Johnson reported that Mei Ying, former Karen Q in the indies, was recently given both a new ring name and character change for WWE’s NXT brand. Ying will now be known as Wendy Choo going forward in NXT.

WWE Files New Trademarks

WWE recently filed several new trademarks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Trademarks for “Mila Malani”, “Wendy Choo”, “Will Charlton”, “Olympe Margaux”, “Chip Danning”, “Joey Tofino”, and “Die Familie” on November 15th for wrestling and entertainment-related purposes.