Locker Room Reportedly Divided Over WWE Star’s Release
Earlier this week, Nino Hamburguesa was released from his WWE contract and AAA Lucha Libre.
The action was taken by the Stamford promotion after Hamburguesa was filmed elbowing an audience member during an independent show in Mexico.
A report by Planchitas of the Mexican outlet RÉCORD revealed that the unruly crowd at Arena Afición in Pachuca, Hidalgo, played a role in triggering the 30-year-old wrestler, which led to him attacking a fan.
Some sources believe that the Triple H-led company made an example of Hamburguesa in order to prevent any wrestler’s potential future altercation with fans.
Now, another report by David Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveals the backstage reaction to Nino’s release.
Based on what we were told about how it started on 3/3 at Arena Aficion in Pachuca, a fan who was wearing a mask in the front row at a show this past week laughed at him when he slipped.
a video that went viral, Hamburguesa, who is probably 350 pounds, sat on the fan’s lap and threw some back elbows. He didn’t appear to hurt the guy at all but it got a lot of media traction and WWE officials saw it and fired him.
Mixed Reaction In WWE & AAA To Nino Hamburguesa’s Release
The report further states that the AAA Lucha Libre talent was informed of WWE’s decision on March 6 and told never to engage with fans.
Nino Hamburguesa, whose real name is Ivan Flores, was well-liked backstage, resulting in a mixed reaction to his firing.
Flores was very popular with the talent who were unhappy that it happened and wished the outcome was different. But also understood that while if it was the old AAA, it would be just considered under the s*** happens category, with WWE owning, you can’t be doing stuff like that.
Meltzer also revealed the extra step AAA has taken to punish Hamburguesa.
Worse for him, AAA is not allowing any of its talent to work independent shows that he’s on, meaning he’s losing most of his indie booking as well.
H/T: Ringside News