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What's the story?
One-third of the inaugural Lucha Underground Trios Champions, Ivelisse, is one of the company's biggest stars. Sadly, it seems that she's not working with the company by choice anymore.
In case you didn't know...
Ivelisse Milagro Vélez, prior to her run in the temple, worked with WWE as a contestant on the revived Tough Enough 2011 season. Though she was eliminated due to a leg injury, the Puerto Rican star earned a developmental contract and began working in Florida Championship Wrestling under the name Sofia Cortez.
During her time in FCW and NXT, Cortez worked alongside other great talents like Natalya and Paige but wound up being released in 2012. Later on, she alluded that she may have been released due to complaining about former head trainer Bill DeMott.
Ivelisse made a huge splash in the early years of Lucha Underground, capturing the Trios titles with Son of Havoc and Angelico, and even defending them with an injured leg. Ivelisse was also the first luchadora to ever challenge for the Lucha Underground Championship, facing off against Mil Muertes in an incredibly competitive match.
Her ability to go toe-to-toe with the best that LU has to offer, regardless of gender, is why so many fans have gravitated towards her, and many expected to see her pop up somewhere else while the company worked out the plans for the next season. However, that doesn't seem to be the case.
The heart of the matter
Ivelisse revealed in a tweet earlier today that all may not be as it seems with Lucha Underground. The former trios champion stated that she'd been asking for a release since prior to season 4, but was talked into finishing out the season. However, after it was wrapped up, the company still refused to grant her release.
Ivelisse doesn't seem to be the only one having this issue, as Joey Ryan has backed her claim, stating that the roster was given the option to leave prior to season 4, and those that have stayed can't seem to get out of their contracts.
What's next?
With no announcement regarding season 5 of Lucha Underground, many stars signed with the company are stuck in a sort of limbo. Certain talents like Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix have been able to work with Major League Wrestling and Impact while the show is on Hiatus. Johnny Mundo, Taya Valkyrie, and Brian Cage, as well, have all held championships in Impact while the company tries to sort out its next move.
With Joey Ryan backing up Ivelisse's claim, it might be better for the company to let the star go, less more bad press fall on them.
