WWE Reacts To "The Wrestler", Complete List Of 2008 WWE Departures, Burchill
— Jeff Wilen of the Daytona Beach News-Journal sent word that WWE released an official statement regarding “The Wrestler” movie. Here is WWE’s statement: “While ‘The Wrestler’ is a very engaging movie, it portrays how wrestling was conducted in some independent wrestling circuits, unlike WWE, which is a global brand with millions of fans.” You can read his post at the following link.
In another note, the WWE website took a potshot at the film’s lead star, Mickey Rourke. They posted a feature this past week called “WWE Misfit Toys” and for the can of “Stone Cold Cream,” the description of the product reads: “Don’t have the heart to tell your girl her skin looks more leathery than Mickey Rourke’s? Screw it son. Crack open two cans of moisturizer, and toast them sombitches right in her face!”
PWInsider.com had a report this past week saying the word going around in WWE is that Vince McMahon “hated” the film when he saw it a few weeks ago.
— In 2008, WWE parted ways with a total of fifty-six talents — thirty-one from the main roster, twenty-three from developmental, as well as two producers. This marks the third consecutive year in which over fifty talents departed from WWE, so by that indication, at least fifty more talents probably won’t be with the company this time next year. And unlike previous years, the company is currently in the midst of a major cost-cutting initiative (which explains shots of two SmackDown tapings in one night for instance), which should increase the chances of more talent cuts and less leeway over the next year. Here is this year’s complete list of departures from WWE:
MAIN WWE ROSTER DEPARTURES
» Armando Estrada – Released November 18, 2008
» Ashley Massaro – Released July 9, 2008
» Balls Mahoney – Released April 28, 2008
» Big Daddy V – Released August 8, 2008
» Bobby Lashley – Released February 4, 2008
» Braden Walker – Released August 7, 2008
» Cherry – Released August 15, 2008
» Chuck Palumbo – Released November 7, 2008
» Colin Delaney – Released August 15, 2008
» Dave Taylor – Released April 28, 2008
» Domino – Released August 8, 2008
» Elijah Burke – Released November 10, 2008
» James Curtis – Released August 8, 2008
» Jonathan Coachman – Contract Expired August 2008
» Kenny Dykstra – Released November 10, 2008
» Lance Cade – Released October 14, 2008
» Lena Yada – Released November 10, 2008
» Mick Foley – Contract Expired August 31, 2008
» Nick Patrick – Released August 8, 2008
» Nunzio – Released August 8, 2008
» Paul London – Released November 7, 2008
» Ric Flair – Parted Ways August 3, 2008
» Robbie McAllister – Released August 15, 2008
» Rory McAllister – Released August 15, 2008
» Shannon Moore – Released August 8, 2008
» Snitsky – Released December 11, 2008
» Stevie Richards – Released August 15, 2008
» Super Crazy – Released November 5, 2008
» Torrie Wilson – Released May 8, 2008
» Trevor Murdoch – Released July 3, 2008
» Wes Adams – Released August 15, 2008
WWE DEVELOPMENTAL DEPARTURES
» Ace Steele – Released February 4, 2008
» Al Snow – Released February 4, 2008
» Antoni Polaski – Released February 4, 2008
» “Campus Legend” Brad Allen – Released August 12, 2008
» Charles “The Hammer” Evans – Released August 12, 2008
» Chet the Jett – Released February 26, 2008
» Chris Gray – Released April 22, 2008
» Derrick Neikirk – Released January 2008
» Germán Figueroa – Released March 2008
» G-Rilla – Released August 08, 2008
» Imani Lee – Released November 2008
» Jamie Tucker – Released August 2008
» Johnny Jeter – Released Early 2008
» Kassidy James – Contract Expired February 4, 2008
» Matt O’Neal – Released August 15, 2008
» Mike Jarvi – Released November 2008
» Mike Mondo – Released June 13, 2008
» Rob Terry – Released August 2008
» Ryan Bishop – Released April 22, 2008
» Shawn Osbourne – Released February 4, 2008
» Silas Young – Released March 2008
» Timmy Baltimore – Released September 2008
» Tommy Taylor – Released April 22, 2008
WWE PRODUCER DEPARTURES
» Barry Windham – Released December 2008
» Bruce Prichard – Released December 1, 2008
— ECW’s newest Superstar Paul Burchill is today’s “Superstar of the Day” on WWE.com.
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