WWE Refuse To Release 2 Former Champions
After some conflicting reports in recent weeks regarding their status in WWE, NXT stars Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler have revealed that the company has refused their release requests.
Fightful Select recently reported that The Schism’s Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler have requested their release from the company. Dave Meltzer later appeared to confirm that the former NXT UK Tag Team Champions had been granted their release but things did not pan out that way and the duo has appeared on NXT television since.
Taking to social media, Jagger Reid – otherwise known as James Drake – revealed that WWE had turned down the release request but noted that his contract with the company is up before the end of 2023:
“As of today, WWE has denied my request for my release. I want to thank you all for your support throughout my career, I’ll never take that for granted. My contract with WWE expires on 14th October 2023. I’m excited to share our next chapter, once we are free agents.”
https://twitter.com/JamesDrake_GYV/status/1650657691625304066
Rip Fowler also took to social media to reveal that his request has also been refused, meaning the team looks set for a stay on NXT for the time being:
“Today WWE have denied our release, which was requested on April 3rd. On 15th Oct ’23 we will be free agents again. I personally want to thank all of our fans for your continued support, it means a lot to both of us especially during times like these! We’ll see you on the 16th!”
https://twitter.com/RipFowlerWWE/status/1650659697274368000
Fowler also followed up to say that the pair were simply stating facts and praised their Schism teammates, Joe Gacy and Ava:
“Our statements tonight are simply factual and intended to keep our fans (who have been asking questions) updated. I would like to add that @JoeGacyand@avawwe_are both boss and will continue to smash everything that they do! Lots of love for both”
The timing of the situation is interesting as WWE is believed to be going through an unofficial hiring freeze as a result of the impending takeover by Endeavor. WWE CEO Nick Khan has also noted that the company is set to be “aggressive” when it comes to making cuts in the near future.