Nick Dinsmore has recalled John Laurinaitis branding him “old” and “fat” just days before being released in August 2009.
Eugene arrived on WWE’s main roster in April 2004 as the nephew of Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff. The character played by Nick Dinsmore initially teamed with William Regal before later switching brands and eventually being released by WWE in 2007.
However, Dinsmore signed a deal in July 2009 to return to the company, competing on Raw a month later. On that occasion he lost a ‘Contract on a pole match’ to someone calling themselves the Calgary Kid. It was later revealed that this mystery opponent was in fact The Miz.
A handful of days later, Dinsmore was released by the company once more.
Appearing on the Cafe De Rene podcast with Rene Dupree, Dinsmore reflected on this short stint. He admitted that he had arrived back at television in less than great physical shape, something Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis quickly pointed out.
“I showed up at my first TV and, granted, I was not in very good shape,” said Dinsmore. “I was expected to be in better shape than I was in. It f***ed me right away. Vince [McMahon said], ‘Get him out.’ Johnny Ace [John Laurinaitis] goes, ‘Nick, we’re not selling old, fat Eugene.’ ‘Okay, thank you…’”
Despite the seemingly bruising exchange, Dinsmore explained that he appreciated Laurinaitis being honest.
“That’s the thing with Johnny, you knew right away. There’s very little bulls***. He’ll tell you. You might not like what he says, but at least with me [he was honest], that’s how I felt.”
Nick Dinsmore returned to WWE once more in September 2013, working as a coach on NXT. He remained in the role for a little over a year, leaving the company for a final time in October 2014.
H/t to Sportskeeda for the transcription.