On April 3rd, it was reported that NXT stars Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler had requested their release from WWE.
Confusion followed when, in a since-deleted social media post, the Wrestling Observer followed up on the news, saying that the Dyad duo’s release had been granted.
Dave Meltzer clarified what he had heard on Wrestling Observer Radio, saying that their situation was “up in the air”.
Since then, the pair have made appearances on NXT TV, however, they have now shed some light on the situation.
Both men posted on social media on April 24th, confirming that they did ask to be released, but those requests have now been denied. This means the former Grizzled Young Veterans will remain under contract until October 15th, at which point they will become free agents.
“Today WWE have denied our release, which was requested on April 3rd.
“On 15th Oct ’23 we will be free agents again.
“I personally want to thank all of our fans for your continued support, it means a lot to both of us especially during times like these! We’ll see you on the 16th!”
Today WWE have denied our release, which was requested on April 3rd.
On 15th Oct '23 we will be free agents again.
I personally want to thank all of our fans for your continued support, it means a lot to both of us especially during times like these! We'll see you on the 16th!
— Rip Fowler (@RipFowlerWWE) April 25, 2023
“As of today, WWE has denied my request for my release.
“I want to thank you all for your support throughout my career, I’ll never take that for granted.
“My contract with WWE expires on 14th October 2023.
“I’m excited to share our next chapter, once we are free agents.”
As of today, WWE has denied my request for my release.
I want to thank you all for your support throughout my career, I'll never take that for granted.
My contract with WWE expires on 14th October 2023.
I'm excited to share our next chapter, once we are free agents.
— James Drake (@JamesDrake_GYV) April 25, 2023
Update on why NXT’s Dyad requested their release
Now, Dave Meltzer has reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that the “next chapter” will involve the pair moving back to their home country of England.
“There’s reasons that they wanted to move back to England, and that’s basically it.
“When we talked about the story on April 3 right after WrestleMania when I first heard about it, it was pretty much, in NXT, it was like they were gone. They asked for their release, they were gonna get released, and then they were basically told, ‘We have to decide’.
“So they’ve been working there (since), and I guess today, based on the tweet, they were told, ‘No, you’re not getting your release’.
“So they’re gonna be there until the end of the contract and that’s that, and then presumably they will leave unless they changed their minds.”
The Dyad were last in action on the April 18th edition of NXT where they were unsuccessful in their attempt to capture the Tag Team Championships from Gallus in a Triple Threat match also involving The Creed Brothers.
H/T to WrestleTalk.com for the above transcription