Drake Maverick’s WWE Release Was Not A Surprise

Drake Maverick was released by WWE for second time yesterday. After surviving another round of cuts, he didn’t quite make it through the November 18th edition. Backstage sources say the release wasn’t a surprise.

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer pointed out that the 24/7 comedy division superstar was expected by many in the company. His size was never going to get over with Vince McMahon. His size and age were the main factors in his release.

“Cut for a second time was Drake Maverick (James Curtin, 38), who was cut once, brought back with an NXT contract after they did an angle with him, and just brought back to the main roster. He’d been part of the 24/7 comedy group.

His departure was not a surprise since he was considered to be cut just a few weeks ago, but survived that round. Someone of his size was not going to be taken seriously by Vince McMahon, and while a great personality when put on the screen, his age and size worked against him.”

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Drake Maverick gained popularity on hte UK independent scene as Rockstar Spud. The diminuitive grappler worked that fame into a deal with Impact, where he was a two-time X Division champion. In WWE, he won the WWE 24/7 title a total of eight times.

Maverick was drafted to Raw earlier this year where he won the comedy title twice. He previously released in June of 2021 while teaming with Killian Dain in NXT. Now, he will have to figure out where the next stop on his wrestling journey will be.

Where do you think Drake Maverick (Rockstar Spud) will wind up next? Share your opinion in the comments!