Big Cass is not coming back to WWE as the same guy fans remember. The company appears to be setting him up for a full-blown redemption story.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed the latest vignette for Cass that aired during the July 20 episode of RAW. The video openly addressed his WWE firing, drinking problems and personal collapse before pushing the idea that he has fought his way back.
The segment focused on how quickly Cass fell after reaching a major spot in WWE. It referenced his injuries, release and struggles away from the company before showing that he is ready to take another shot at making it on WWE television. Alvarez pointed out that WWE did not try to hide the ugly parts of Cass’ past.
“We had a clip of the Big Cass return gimmick. They had a bunch of clippings acknowledging his personal issues and getting fired.”
Meltzer believes that framing makes WWE’s direction clear. A story about surviving addiction, losing a career and rebuilding a life is designed to make fans pull for Cass.
“His story is going to be about getting fired, the drinking problems and things like that, and overcoming that. It looks like that’s a babyface story. Overcoming your drinking problems is definitely babyface positioning. We’ll see. I mean, he’s got something.”
Cass was released by WWE on June 19, 2018, after a run of backstage problems. His departure came after concerns about his behavior during WWE’s European tour and an incident where he went against creative instructions during a televised segment.
After leaving WWE, Cass rebuilt his career on the independent scene before joining AEW as Big Bill. He eventually became a featured part of Chris Jericho’s Learning Tree group and stayed active on television before making his way back to WWE.
Alvarez also brought up Lacey Evans as a warning about how WWE handles these kinds of comeback stories. WWE previously aired emotional videos about Evans overcoming legitimate hardships, only to bring her back as a heel.
Alvarez: “Remember when Lacey Evans did about six weeks talking about legitimate tragedies and difficulties that she overcame, and she returned as a—”
Meltzer: “Heel. Then they brought her in as a heel.”
Alvarez: “And surprisingly, it didn’t get over. Who would have ever thought?”
The difference this time is that WWE appears to be leaning directly into Cass’ real-life recovery. Nothing has been officially confirmed about his alignment, but the message of the vignette was built around sympathy, survival and getting a second chance.
The video once again ended with “8/3” flashing across the screen. That points toward the RAW after SummerSlam as the likely date for Cass to make his first live appearance of this new run.
WWE has only confirmed Cass’ return, so there is still no word on whether Enzo Amore will be involved. For now, the company is focused on presenting Cass as someone who hit rock bottom, rebuilt himself and is coming back with something to prove.
Do you think Big Cass can work as a redemption-story babyface in WWE, or would he be better used as a heel? Leave your feedback in the comments.
