Former WWE Referee Drake Wuertz Reveals He Had COVID-19
Wuertz was released by WWE in May
Jun 3, 2021
Former WWE Referee Drake Wuertz says he is not a coronavirus denier, revealing he tested posted for COVID-19 but didn't experience any symptoms.
Wuertz was released by WWE last month amid concerns over his believe in certain conspiracy theories that he regularly pushed on social media.
Speaking to Fireside Chat, he said: "Of course I believe in COVID. My grandparents have both had it. I caught it for a little bit. A whole chunk of the roster caught it. I didn't have any symptoms, the only reason I knew I had it is because they stick the stick up our nose two times a week."
When asked about his release from the company, Wuertz continued: "I was expecting it. My heart had not been in it for the past six months. It got to the point where I didn't feel right about the atmosphere and I was just coming to work for the paycheck. When it gets to that point, it's time to step away.
"I went into work to go to Terry Taylor's class and was called into the office. Canyon Ceman let me know I was being let go. It wasn't surprising. They let me go say goodbye to the coaches I was closest with, Terry Taylor and Matt Bloom. It was bittersweet because I spent more time there than I did my own family.
"It wasn't my performance. My performance never wavered and the trust in the ring never wavered. I was frequently requested by top talent."
Not long after his departure, Fightful Select reported that Wuertz had been suspended by WWE in early 2021.
Speaking about his suspension, he said: "A month before WrestleMania, I get a call from my department head, Scott Armstrong, who says, 'Somebody tested positive at work, we're asking everyone to quarantine.'
"I called him back and was like, 'I have stuff to do. I'm not sick. I tested negative. I haven't been around anyone.' I told him I had church, the Walk For Life, and I coach my son's baseball team. Those responsibilities were more important to me than pleasing WWE. I told him, 'No, I'm not staying home.'
"I got a call saying, 'You're off TV for two weeks, you violated quarantine.' 'For going to church?' They refused to answer."
H/T Fightful