Talks To Bring Neville Back To WWE TV Break Down
What does this mean for the former Cruiserweight Champion's long-term future?
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, talks between WWE officials and Neville regarding a return to television have broken down.
The two-time Cruiserweight Champion reportedly walked out on the company two months ago, with talks to bring him back to TV said to be positive initially. The former 205 Live star was set to head over to the SmackDown Live roster for last month's European tour before appearing on the blue brand's TV show at the end of the month.
However, negotiations are said to have stopped abruptly, casting more doubt on The Man That Gravity Forgot's long-term WWE future.
A move to the main roster appeared to be what Neville was looking for after achieving all he could as part of 205 Live. Turning heel saw him become one of the highlights of Monday night Raw each week, as the Englishman was right at home in a darker role. Everyone knew about his stellar work from bell-to-bell before the turn, but the improvement in his character and promo work was vast. However, it was also clearly scuppered by the ceiling placed on all of those on 205 Live. It's apparent how a performer at the very top of WWE's Cruiserweight Division could become very frustrated and looking for a promotion to the main roster.
Countless reports suggest WWE are reluctant to allow Neville out of his contract at this time, so it looks increasingly likely that he'll have to return to TV or be forced to sit out the rest of his contract - a similar situation happened with both CM Punk and Ryback, who were released several months after their last appearances on television respectively.
Neville last turned out for WWE in September when he was at ringside for Kalisto's Cruiserweight Division debut. His final match for the company happened on September 26 as he saw off Ariya Daivari in the main event of 205 Live.
The two-time Cruiserweight Champion reportedly walked out on the company two months ago, with talks to bring him back to TV said to be positive initially. The former 205 Live star was set to head over to the SmackDown Live roster for last month's European tour before appearing on the blue brand's TV show at the end of the month.
However, negotiations are said to have stopped abruptly, casting more doubt on The Man That Gravity Forgot's long-term WWE future.
A move to the main roster appeared to be what Neville was looking for after achieving all he could as part of 205 Live. Turning heel saw him become one of the highlights of Monday night Raw each week, as the Englishman was right at home in a darker role. Everyone knew about his stellar work from bell-to-bell before the turn, but the improvement in his character and promo work was vast. However, it was also clearly scuppered by the ceiling placed on all of those on 205 Live. It's apparent how a performer at the very top of WWE's Cruiserweight Division could become very frustrated and looking for a promotion to the main roster.
Countless reports suggest WWE are reluctant to allow Neville out of his contract at this time, so it looks increasingly likely that he'll have to return to TV or be forced to sit out the rest of his contract - a similar situation happened with both CM Punk and Ryback, who were released several months after their last appearances on television respectively.
Neville last turned out for WWE in September when he was at ringside for Kalisto's Cruiserweight Division debut. His final match for the company happened on September 26 as he saw off Ariya Daivari in the main event of 205 Live.
Written by Ross Tweddell
Written and video journalist for Cultaholic Wrestling | twitter: @rossonrasslin | instagram: @rossonrasslin
