‘I Wasn’t Even Really That Upset’ – Former WWE Champion Opens Up About Release

WWE

A former WWE World Tag Team Champion has opened up about his release, sharing an insight into his mindset at the time.

With a debut in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament of 2018, Cedric Alexander would enjoy a career that would see him hold multiple championships.

Released in February of last year, Alexander has since signed with TNA Wrestling, and is the current X Division Champion.

Looking back at his release during an appearance on the I Love Wrestling podcast, Alexander was suggested it was very much time for him to part from WWE, saying:

“When I got the call about leaving WWE, I wasn’t even really that upset. It was almost a case of like, I think it’s just time to go. I felt that way for a long time. There was at least, maybe six months to a year where I felt like ‘What am I doing here? I’m not a priority for anyone; I’m not happy, and I’m just waiting for something to happen.’

“So, when I finally got the call, I was actually more relieved than anything else because it let me know that, ok now I’m free to do something else and try to be the best version of me on my terms.

“Now, how that was gonna happen I wasn’t quite sure yet, but when TNA came across and showed interest, I was like ‘Alright, let’s see what happens here.’ And after the first month, week, whatever it was in TNA, I was like ‘Yeah, this is the place for me.’

“I feel like I have a spot here, I feel like there’s something I can be used for, not only to help myself but to help the business as a whole prosper.

“That, to me, is very important. I feel like if I’m not doing my part to help the business grow, alongside myself, then I’m doing something wrong.

“In WWE I didn’t feel like I was doing that. But here in TNA, I feel like I’m helping people and myself, and the business. So, everyone wins, to me, in this scenario.”

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Asked whether he’s found a home that now offers him more fulfilment, Alexander would comment that he hopes others see that, stating:

“I feel like people see that, too. Like, even if I’m actively showing it in the ring or anything like that. I feel like people can just feel that radiant energy when you’re truly happy about something, and you really love to see it succeed. People just know that, they see that and they go ‘I love it even more.’”

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Looking back at his time in NXT, Alexander has previously stated that he “didn’t feel useful“.

Alexander defeated Leon Slater to become X Division Champion on the May 14 episode of Thursday Night Impact!, ending the young star’s reign at a record-tying 298 days.

A Sense Of Purpose

On the surface, being a WWE star seems like a dream come true. Television exposure, a regular income, merchandise and more all build a picture of life that many no doubt dream of having.

That said, for some, the dream can run up against the reality of enjoying the job, with Alexander seemingly not feeling that way and valuing that over other considerations.

It’s a message that has been seen before, with the value that has a star has being more than just the money in the contract. That said, despite their love of their work, a number of WWE stars were recently reportedly offered restructured deals that would have seen them compensated less. Balancing value across the spectrum of metrics has to be a challenge for any star, regardless of where they are in their careers.

A reason for being is something that should be important to everyone. Knowing that turning up each day and being recognized for the contribution being made, seeing the reason for being there realized and leaving with a sense of pride or accomplishment, as well as being well compensated for that commitment shouldn’t be mutally exclusive ideals.

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• wwe
• Release
• Cedric Alexander
• tna wrestling

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