Joseph Sawyer made sure his first match after WWE meant something, stepping back into the ring against longtime friend Rich Swann and walking out with the victory.
The former Joe Gacy returned to independent wrestling at Wrestling REVOLVER’s The Silence of the Lambs event on July 24, marking his first match since leaving WWE and the expiration of his non-compete clause.
Sawyer defeated Swann after hitting Sister Abigail, but the real moment came after the bell. He grabbed a microphone, thanked Sami Callihan and the Wrestling REVOLVER crew for giving him the opportunity, then turned his attention to Swann. Sawyer explained that the two have known each other for years and that there was nobody else he wanted across the ring for his first match back.
“I would like to thank Sami and his crew for having me. Most of all, tonight would not have been possible without this man standing across from me.”
“For those who don’t know, Richie and I go way back—a long, long time. Honestly, there was no one else I wanted to have this first match back with other than you, man.”
“Seriously, I love you. Thank you.”
Wrestling REVOLVER announced Sawyer under his real name ahead of the event after he was released during WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts.
Sawyer is now officially back on the independent scene, and he kicked off the next chapter of his career with a win and an emotional moment alongside someone who has been part of his journey for years.
What do you think about Joseph Sawyer choosing Rich Swann for his first match after WWE? Leave your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
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