Talking Points: WWE Releases of June 12, 2014

I know I just started a new series of articles, but I just had to start this one. I've always felt a little constricted by my series. For example, in my Raw review, I can only talk about what happened on that episode. In Stars of the Night, I talk about that specific event. On Talking Points, I can address whatever issue I so please. The articles may be a little long, so bear with me.

Yesterday, the WWE released eleven people, including nine superstars, a diva, and a referee.The releases came seemingly out of nowhere. It was expected that a few people would be let go this summer, but twelve at one time? Needless to say, it's big news. In this article, we're going to look at everything dealing with the releases, including who should have gotten released and if anyone else will be released recently. When eleven people leave, things are going to get shaken up.

Let's first look at who was released. The only diva who was released was Aksana. If they had to release a diva, this was the perfect choice. It would be foolish to release anyone associated with Total Divas, seeing as how big that show is. So, even though Rosa Mendes hasn't won a match since 2011, she's safe. Paige and AJ are two of the top divas in the division, so they're safe. Emma's only been on the main roster for a few months, so she's safe as well. Tamina seems directionless now, but she'll be back in action when AJ returns. Layla is getting a lot of TV time due to her partnership with Fandango. Alicia Fox is safe because management is supposedly high on her. Also, Aksana fractured Naomi's orbital bone earlier in the year, supposedly costing her a chance at the Diva's title.

The two non-wrestlers released were Teddy Long and Marc Harris, a referee. Needless to say, Teddy Long is a more interesting story. He used to be the GM of SmackDown, but hasn't been in a TV role since last year, when he helped run things on SmackDown. He also used to be a manager. In fact, he was named Manager of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1990. Some of the superstars he managed: Mark Henry, Chris Jericho, and Eddie Guerrero. He should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame within the next two years. As for Harris, he was just a bad ref who botched a number of matches.

The only NXT superstar released was Camacho, who used to be on the main roster. This was a little surprising, as he just had an entertaining match with Adam Rose at Takeover. The plan was to groom his technical and mic skills at NXT until the character of Hunico returned. The two made a good pair, but that's the last we'll see of that.

One of the most interesting releases was Evan Bourne. The former tag team champion hasn't competed since 2012, thanks to a combination of injuries and suspensions. It made sense from a business standpoint to release him, even though he's a talented wrestler. There were rumors of him reuniting with Kofi Kingston, but that's not happening now. Good news for Bourne fans however, he reportedly signed with TNA hours after his release. 

Heath Slater and Hornswoggle can't be too happy  right now, seeing as both Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre were released. This marks the official end of 3MB, one of the most forgettable factions of the history. Mahal is a talented wrestler, but it's more of a surprise McIntyre was released. After all, five years ago he was declared a future world champion. Sure, he was in a huge rut, but there was plenty of time to get him back on his feet. After all, he's only 29 years old. 

The other four superstars released: Brodus Clay, Yoshi Tatsu, Curt Hawkins, and JTG. Out of everyone released, they're probably the lowest on the totem pole. JTG, who hasn't been relevant in years, hasn't won a match since 2012. Curt Hawkins is even more of a jobber than JTG and Yoshi Tatsu's in-ring performance is starting to slip, at least according to management. He'll probably head back to NJPW. As for Clay, his release was interesting. Ever since the Funkasaurus gimmick was dropped, he's been completely lost. He tried to rebrand himself as a monster heel, but that didn't work out at all. He's agile for a big guy, so the WWE could've found some use for him.

So who got lucky? The first name that comes to mind is David Otunga. He's hasn't been involved in a major storyline since 2011. The only reason he's probably still employed is his relationship with Jennifer Hudson. Another guy on the watch list: Zack Ryder. He's been stuck in a rut for years now, and it looks like it's too late for him to get out of it. The only reason he'll keep his job is because fans like him and because they need a jobber. Heath Slater's name has also been tossed around in terms of who will be next to go. After all, it makes sense, since McIntyre and Mahal are gone. I don't believe it will happen though. Slater is one ofthe best sellers in the business and the WWE will need him to job.

So what happens next? We could see more cuts. My money is on Brad Maddox. He's no longer GM of Raw and he's not good enough as a wrestler to justify putting him in the ring. We could see him do something else though, such as join the announce team. After all, he's not bad on the mic. I think this is it for cuts, at least for some time. The WWE would rather get it all out of the way now instead of drawing it out. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.