After requesting his release from WWE as far back as December 2021, Brain Kendrick officially left the company early in 2022. Soon after his release, the former Cruiserweight Champion was advertised to appear on AEW Dynamite in a match against Jon Moxley.
Brian Kendrick’s AEW debut was scrapped
Only an hour before Dynamite was set to air, however, the match was cancelled. In a post on social media, AEW President Tony Khan said that the decision had been made in light of “abhorrent and offensive” comments made by Kendrick a decade ago.
These comments included discussion of numerous conspiracy theories involving the Illuminati, Jews, and Zionists. This was not the first time he aired conspiratorial views as, in the past, he has spoken on theories around 9/11, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. He has also been known to hold controversial views on the Holocaust.
Since the comments re-emerged, Brian Kendrick has apologised for them on several occasions, claiming he was “trying to create some sort of buzz”.
“Back then, I was trying to create some sort of buzz and I didn’t care who I offended. When it gets thrown back in your face, one, it’s embarrassing, two, you’re forced to reflect on it. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being so cold-hearted and trying to profit off of tragedy.”
Brian Kendrick returned to WWE at Survivor Series
Now, Fightful Select has reported that Brian Kendrick has been quietly rehired by WWE. The report notes that Kendrick and Jason Jordan were listed as producers for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Ronda Rousey and Shotzi at Survivor Series.
The match itself saw Shotzi coming up short as she attempted to dethrone the dominant Rousey. Every time the challenger seemed to be rallying, Rousey was ready for her and took her back down again. In the end, The Baddest Woman On The Planet locked in an Armbar on Shotzi to get the submission victory.