Further Details On WWE's Release Of Bray Wyatt

WWE announced earlier on Saturday that they had released Bray Wyatt, more than three months after the former three-time World champion last appeared on WWE programming.

Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Wyatt's release was said to be for budgetary reasons. He also reported that Wyatt was booked to return to WWE sometime in August, and was scheduled for several different events.

Meltzer also reported that it was John Laurinaitis who made the call to Wyatt, and offered him the "budget cut" reason.

A report from Fightful Select corroborates the budget reason being cited for Wyatt's release. As far as an August return, Fightful writes, "...we can confirm tentative creative plans were in place for him."

As far as Wyatt being a budget cut, Fightful Select writes that individuals in WWE were surprised by that reason, seeing as Wyatt is a great merchandise mover when he's active.

Fightful's report also notes that individuals on WWE's creative team were under the impression that Wyatt was becoming more protective of his character following, "what were seen as poor creative decisions and ideas thrown his way."