Rhino: Why I Turned Down A WWE Contract Extension In 2019
The former WWE Superstar speaks on choosing IMPACT and the independent scene over WWE.
Jan 18, 2022
IMPACT Wrestling star and in-ring veteran Rhino has spoken about turning down WWE's offer of a contract extension in 2019.
The former US and Tag Team Champion returned to WWE in 2015 after a decade-long absence from the company, but left again after four years. He recently appeared on Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows' Talk'N Shop podcast, and revealed his reasons behind not staying with the promotion, despite being offered 'the biggest contract they ever offered [him].'
Rhino explains:
"They had a lot of guys under contract. Heath [Slater] and I were on the road for only like one house show loop a month, and I love being on the road. I enjoy it. I enjoy being around the boys. I like to work. [...] I was becoming miserable.
"I wasn't hating the wrestling business; I was just hating life. I talked to Scott [D’Amore] when I was able to. He said, 'We love you but we have a budget. It’s pretty tight, but you can go out and do indies.' I always enjoyed the indie scene. I like finding that talent and helping it out."
Rhino ultimately did return to the independent scene, appearing in promotions such as The Wrestling Revolver and Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling. He also reunited with D'Amore and IMPACT Wrestling in July 2019, and remains under contract there today.
H/T to WrestlingNews.co
