On November 1st, it was reported that Bodhi Hayward, Sloane Jacobs, Erica Yan, Damaris Griffin, and Ru Feng had been released from their contracts with WWE NXT. This marked hte first mass release of talent since April 29th, when Dakota Kai, Dexter Lumis, and Parker Boudreaux were released from the company. Kai and Lumis have since returned, playing prominent roles on WWE Raw.
Bodhi Hayward stands out in the list of recently-released talent as he’s been regularly featured as part of WWE NXT television. As part of Andre Chase’s Chase U, Hayward was the storyline roommate of Thea Hail. On the most recent episode of NXT, Hail called attention to the fact that someone was missing, but Duke Hudson stepped in to carry the university flag that was usually carried by Hayward.
“I’m Hurt, I’m Embarrassed” – Bodhi Hayward Posted An Emotional Message Following His WWE NXT Release
Following news of his release from WWE, Bodhi Hayward (now going by Brady Booker) took to social media to reflect on his time with WWE NXT. In an emotional message, he said that he was hurt and embarrassed by the news of his release, but that he would be back and prove himself in the world of professional wrestling. He also indicated that he has a 30 day non-compete clause as is standard in WWE NXT contracts.
“What up Brodies, it’s your boy Bodhi Hayward… Brady Booker here to tell you that I was just released from the WWE. I’m hurt, I’m embarrassed, and Brodies I’m just down bad. For the last 18 months, Andre Chase University and wrestling has been my whole life. But I am no stranger to adversity. Adversity is something that has come up my whole life, and I’ve always found a way to get on top. I will do it again. I’m Brady Booker, and I’m here to stay.”
Thank you to all my brodies for the continuous love and support ❤️
The journey continues…#30dayspic.twitter.com/PDdB7WHzQc— Brady Booker (@bradybooker_) November 1, 2022
Andre Chase also took to social media after news of his protege’s release, thanking Hayward for his friendship and his dedication to Chase U.
“I just want to publicly thank @bodhihaywardWWE for his dedication to #ChaseU. I will always appreciate him being my first scholarship athlete, but more importantly I will always appreciate his friendship. Keep going!”
I just want to publicly thank @bodhihaywardWWE for his dedication to #ChaseU.
I will always appreciate him being my first scholarship athlete, but more importantly I will always appreciate his friendship. Keep going‼️🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/f0buZjZuKB
— Andre Chase (@AndreChaseWWE) November 1, 2022
If you use any quotes from this transcription, please credit Brady Booker and link back to this article with a h/t to Inside the Ropes.