WWE Star Confirms Release, Multiple Stars Send Well Wishes

Written by Sondra Ruth • Published Feb 04, 2025 14:44 EST
Ex-WWE Star Looks Back On Shock Title Win That Means The World To Them

One former WWE star confirms he is no longer with the company.

On February 3rd, news broke that former NXT Tag Team Champion Duke Hudson had been released back in January. The star last appeared on NXT television during the September 10th episode in a defeat against Ridge Holland, and his last official match was a win against Anthony Luke on November 22nd in a NXT house show.

Shortly after news of Hudson’s release came to light, Dave Meltzer reported that Triple H didn’t see the star as a “main roster guy.”

Now, Hudson himself has taken to social media to confirm news of his release. In a vignette, Hudson is seen interviewing himself about what’s next for his career, and the following conversation takes place:

Duke Hudson: Welcome to Wrestling with Identity. Do we have a name for you, or us yet?

Other Duke Hudson: I don’t know

Duke: Alright, well let’s get straight to the point. You’ve been fired, which might be breaking news to a lot of the people here. I don’t think I’ve seen anything online. You weren’t part of a group with a ‘budget cuts’, right, so this really was more of a ‘we hate you.’

Other Duke: Yeah.

Duke: That’s probably why you look so rough, but I’m pulling it off. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, how do you feel about wasting six years of your life in that building?

Other Duke: I wouldn’t say it was a waste.

Duke: Come on. Think of everything that happened in your time there. You and Bronnie [Bronson Reed], for example. You started at the same time, you came up in Australia together. Now he’s jumping off the top of cages at Survivor Series, and you’re being written off TV again. Rhea [Ripley], for example. She is a megastar. She grew up watching you wrestle in Australia. You love telling people that story. Well, they overtook you. Your time was wasted.

Other Duke: I can be happy for my friends and be disappointed in my own shortcomings at the same time.

Duke: Come on. You’re free now, you can say whatever you want to say. Don’t just stick to what you learn in media training. Tell me what you want to say.

Other Duke: I don’t know.

Duke: I’m not done with you. We’ll be right back.

WWE NXT Stars Send Encouragement To Duke Hudson

Following news of Hudson’s release, fellow Chase U members Andre Chase and Thea Hail took to social media to comment on the situation. Chase wrote:

I just wanted to publicly thank Duke Hudson for all of his hard work and contributions to Chase U. From the poker table, to the classroom, to the tag-team Match of the Year, all the way to top as champions in the WWE. You the real MVP #WWENXT

Hail’s message was short and sweet, writing simply:

love U

h/t Fightful