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Eric Young Makes Statement Following WWE Departure

By Sondra Ruth • Published 17th July 2023
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Eric Young said leaving WWE was a “tough choice,” but one he doesn’t regret in the slightest.

Late last year, it was reported that Eric Young was on his way back to WWE after finishing up his contract with IMPACT Wrestling. A follow-up report revealed that he’d actually been signed to the sports entertainment giant since November 1st, but still appeared in pre-taped segments on IMPACT television until seemingly being killed off on the December 1st episode.

On that occasion, Young appeared in a vignette speaking with Cody Deaner about “eliminating the sickness” before the two get into an altercation that leads to Young being stabbed, presumably to death. This set up Deaner to lead Young’s group Violent by Design.

However, the star never appeared on WWE television after signing, and according to a recent report from Fightful Select, Young requested his release from the company after news that it would be merging with UFC to form a new $21+ billion entity under parent company Endeavor and that Vince McMahon would be more firmly back in control. According to Fightful, “Young didn’t want to work with Vince McMahon after the Endeavor deal was announced.”

Young returned to IMPACT at Slammiversary on July 15th, reuniting with Team Canada coach Scott D’Amore to defeat the team of Bully Ray and Deaner.

Taking to Twitter after the bout, Young called leaving WWE a “hard choice” but made it clear that he had no regrets, writing:

“This felt good! This felt right! I made a hard choice and there is no doubt in my mind it was the right one!