A new report has claimed that Jaxson Ryker had an “incredible amount of heat” backstage ahead of being released by WWE on November 18th.
After a stint with IMPACT Wrestling Jaxson Ryker signed with WWE in May 2017. During his time in NXT, the US army veteran teamed with Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler, forming the Forgotten Sons. The team arrived on the main roster in April 2020 initially performing as American patriots.
However, the team were later removed from television after a tweet from Ryker caused a huge amount of controversy. When Cutler and Blake returned to TV they were without Ryker who made his way to Raw.
Speaking with Inside The Ropes‘ Lead Writer Gary Cassidy, after his own release in April 2021, Blake recalled Ryker refusing to take down the offending tweet, although he later apologised for “halting their careers.”
Jaxson Ryker was released on November 18th alongside Superstars such as Hit Row and John Morrison. It has now been reported that Ryker had an “incredible amount of heat” prior to being released. The report from Fightful Select notes that many took issue with him for being the reason his former partners were removed from television, while most expected him to be part of the earlier rounds of releases.
In addition, a member of the creative team reportedly said it was evident Ryker wasn’t getting over and it was an “uphill battle to get a reaction.”
The report also comments on the release of Drake Maverick. Those backstage said that he was always willing to make the most of any opportunity sent his way.
Jaxson Ryker last appeared on Monday Night Raw on September 27th where he was defeated by Karrion Kross, who has also since been released. Ryker’s last match in WWE took place on November 1st where he lost out to Cedric Alexander on Main Event.