Report: Drake Wuertz Had "Nuclear Heat Brought On By Himself" Prior To WWE Release

Drake Wuertz was released by WWE yesterday after seven years with the company. 

He had been at the centre of controversy in recent months due to his political beliefs and WWE suspended him earlier this year for a brief period after he had garnered "significant heat". A report from Spectrum Sports 360's Jon Alba also noted WWE Superstars believed Wuertz was racist and were uncomfortable around him. 

More details around Wuertz's beliefs and the impact they had within the company have now emerged, courtesy of Fightful Select.

The former Deathmatch wrestler reportedly had "nuclear heat brought on by himself" for almost a year. This followed WWE having to warn him about not wearing a face mask and not being vaccinated, as well as "political plays" he made backstage. 

Wuertz reportedly pursued different roles within the company and tried to put heat on others to better his chances, which he attempted to do several times. Ten Superstars also told Fightful they felt unsafe and uncomfortable around Wuertz and he was known within NXT for loudly criticising wrestlers for getting vaccinations and the flu jab.  

Furthermore, minorities took exception to how Wuertz worded things when speaking. This resulted in Ezra Judge almost getting physical with the referee and ethnic minorities went to NXT management about Wuertz's behaviour on numerous occasions. 

In more Wuertz heat news, he attracted significant heat following NXT TakeOver: In Your House last year. Triple H gave a speech during the George Floyd protests about all people regardless of their race, gender or religion being welcome in WWE. However, when religion was mentioned, Wuertz's attitude switched instantly and he "aggressively gathered his belongings and left."  

What's next for Wuertz remains to be seen, but PWInsider has reported he is already reaching out to independent wrestling promotions for bookings.