Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
UPDATE x 2: Here are some additional details on why WWE decided to fire SmackDown! Live Superstar Big Cass earlier this week.
According to sources, the “backstage heat” Cass had dates back to the storyline angle where he beat down a “little person” during his feud with Daniel Bryan. As many of you know by now, Cass went against orders from WWE management during the segment. He was supposed to hit only a big boot on the “little person” but decided to land a few extra punches as well. In addition to that, Big Cass skipped a rehearsal for a backstage promo that Kevin Dunn had asked for. Then, during the live promo segment that he failed to rehearse ahead of time, he went longer than expected and it forced WWE to cut another match short. There was said to have been a lot of heat regarding the promo and Vince McMahon himself hated it. McMahon hated the promo so much that he fired the writer who was behind it a few weeks ago.
Also, Cass reportedly had enemies while defending Donald Trump during a heated backstage argument with Sami Zayn about the treatment of Muslims. The argument, which was heard by a lot of people as it reportedly look place in catering, upset many.
It should also be noted that multiple agents/producers have had issues with Cass going back to before his injury. There had also been negative reviews of his work since returning from injury. Big Cass’ two clean submission losses to Daniel Bryan were part of his “punishment”.
With that being said, several independent promoters are already looking at reuniting Enzo Amore & Big Cass. While they would like for that to happen, the two reportedly aren’t on very good terms these days. There is no word on what led to the beef between the two men, but they have not spoken in over a year and there is currently no word on whether they’ll be able to put whatever issues they have aside to team up and make some money on the indies.
We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.
UPDATE: We reported yesterday here on eWrestlingNews.com that WWE announced the release of Big Cass, posting a very brief message which said:
“WWE has come to terms on the release of William Morrissey (Big Cass).”
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, Big Cass was fired from WWE due to multiple incidents and not one certain reason.
We previously reported here on eWn that Cass was in the doghouse primarily due to an incident in which he went off script, against not only the direction of road agents/producers, but Vince McMahon himself. The fact that the message from WWE above is short and to the point and not even wishing him luck in the future is likely a good indication that this was not a pleasant parting of the ways.
Sports Illustrated is reporting that Big Cass was apparently drinking heavily during the European tour and allegedly had “ego” and “attitude issues.” According to the SI report, Big Cass was “being intoxicated in public” and causing issues with fans who approached him.
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, one of the incidents that rubbed people the wrong was on the WWE tour bus chauffeuring talent. According to the site, the “bathroom lock was broken”, but Cass didn’t realize it and thought he was being pranked/ribbed. After being stuck inside for too long, a claustrophobic/angry Cass broke down the door to get out. This meant people had to embarrassingly use the bathroom afterward with no door. As you’d expect, this made some of the riders/talent on the bus unhappy. The site reports that both of these incidents were done in such a short time that it made him look bad.
ORIGINAL: As noted, WWE officially announced the news on Tuesday (June 19, 2018) that they had released Big Cass from his contract. There’s no word yet on what led to WWE making this decision to release him.
Cass had been under contract with the WWE since 2011. WWE issued the following statement:
“WWE has come to terms on the release of William Morrissey (Big Cass).”
Vince McMahon reportedly called a meeting at SmackDown in Toledo today and fired Cass. There’s speculation that an incident that happened last month may have gotten him in some heat with WWE officials.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that Cass upset WWE officials because he went off-script during a segment on an episode of SmackDown Live on the USA Network that involved a little person, who was dressed as Daniel Bryan and ended with Cass beating him down in the middle of the ring.
The original idea was for Cass to hit a big boot to the person and stand tall but he wanted and eventually did a spot where he hit the big boot then connected with several punches.
