WWE shocked wrestling fans around the world when the company released dozens of wrestlers for cost cutting or “budgetary reasons.”
This included multiple wrestlers who are still active today, like Johnny TV (John Morrison), Keith Lee, Athena (Ember Moon), and Ruby Riott (Ruby Soho).
Some wrestlers would return to WWE while others would join All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or other promotions.
Now, one of those wrestlers has called out Vince McMahon and WWE for his release.
NEW YORK – JUNE 12: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon (C) congratulates winners Sarah Furhman (L) and Steve Rosenzweig at the announcement of the First McMahon Million Dollar Mania Winners at the Hard Rock Cafe June 12, 2008 in New York City.
Will Ragozzino/Getty Images
EJ Nduka, formerly known as Ezra Judge, recently took to X to celebrate his success since his release from WWE, declaring, “THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP.”
During this celebration, he also took time to call out his former company, claiming that part of the reason was because Vince McMahon needed more “hush money.”
“Came into this industry from NFL AND IFBB,” Nduka said. “Where the hardest working person in the room at the very least gets an opportunity. I was first one to the ring every single day and last one to leave. Came to every extra ring. Tried to ask for HELP but NOTHING.”
“They pulled the rug from underneath my family and I and many other wrestlers cause he wanted to spend that money on hush money. As far as I am concerned y’all can eat glass.”
SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK. OTHER SIDE REFUSED TO GIVE US OPPORTUNITIES.. AND NOW LOOK THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP.
INDUSTRY SHAKERS. https://t.co/iAH0dNHIKf
— EJ Nduka “The Judge” (@EjTheJudge) September 27, 2024
“I wish one of [y’all’] would even debate what I’m saying cause I knew this day would come. I recorded ALL and have receipts,” Nduka said. “They even tried to pay me off and prevent me from coming to AEW for a WHOLE YEAR. They said ‘certain people don’t like admitting when they make a mistake.'”
Nduka continued, thanking AEW and Tony Khan for the opportunity he’s been given.
“I’m forever grateful to [AEW], [Ring of Honor], and the Entire locker for building something from NOTHING,” Nduka said. “We are doing great things and if it never existed a lot of us would have disappeared.”
“ID RATHER WORK FOR A BOSS WHO IS GENUINELY EXCITED FOR YOUR FUTURE & DEVELOPMENT. WHO waits at the end of the ramp for everyone to congratulate them instead of one who ignores you or buries you for trying to be different. Y’ALL don’t even know half all you see is the end product.”
Now, Nduka has found greater success in Ring of Honor (ROH) with Lee Johnson as his tag team member.
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