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Welcome to another edition of the top SmackDown backstage rumors that could have a major impact. As reported earlier, WWE has released Lars Sullivan after he repeatedly no-showed television tapings.
Lars Sullivan also told Fightful that the release was amicable and he himself told the company that he did not want to continue wrestling due to his anxiety issues. Sullivan was reportedly released a month ago but the news of his release became public only recently. The Monster Lars Sullivan isn't the only Superstar to have been released as SmackDown's Steve Cutler has been fired from the company.
So let's jump in and take a look at Steve Cutler's release from WWE and other topics related to WWE SmackDown.
#5 SmackDown Superstar Steve Cutler released
SmackDown's Steve Cutler, who was initially a part of The Forgotten Sons in NXT and WWE and later became one of King Corbin's bodyguards has been released by the company.
WWE gave out an official statement saying that Cutler has been released without giving any detail into why the former Knight of the Lone Wolf was fired by the company.
WWE has come to terms on the release of Steve Cutler. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Steve Cutler had been a part of WWE since 2014 but rose to prominence only after he became part of the 3-man group named The Forgotten Sons on NXT along with Wesley Blake and Ryker.
While Ryker had moved to RAW aligning himself with Elias, Blake and Cutler served as henchmen for King Corbin on SmackDown after The Forgotten Sons disbanded. Cutler and Blake had not been seen on television for a long time ahead of Cutler's release.
It is possible that Steve Cutler may join his wife Deonna Purrazzo in IMPACT Wrestling after being released from WWE.
#4 Reason for Jey Uso's absence from SmackDown
'Main Event' Jey Uso had become a focal point of SmackDown of late since he got involved with his cousin Roman Reigns. However, the six-time Tag Team Champion has been missing in action for the past few weeks. As per Dave Meltzer of WOR, the reason for him being missing is that he is not cleared to compete. Jey Uso was surprisingly absent from Royal Rumble as well.
Jey Uso wasn't medically cleared for the WWE Royal Rumble, according to Dave Meltzer. The medical reason wasn't given and his expected return is unknown. He wasn't seen in the graphic for the Rumble on Friday, but was in it the week before.
With Jimmy Uso's return date also coming closer, it is possible that the two brothers finally return together as a tag team.
#3 Robert Roode missed last week's SmackDown tapings
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode won the SmackDown Tag Team Championships a few weeks back. However, Roode has been absent ever since winning the titles and it has just been Dolph Ziggler who has been representing the duo on SmackDown each week.
As per Fightful Select, Robert Roode was not present for the SmackDown tapings last week. Although they did not have a clear reason for The Glorious One missing out despite being a Champion.
#2 Update on SmackDown Superstar Cesaro's contract with WWE
SmackDown's Swiss Cyborg Cesaro has always been the recipient of a 'start-stop' push in WWE. Although it seemed like big things were in store for the former US Champion after he defeated Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler in successive weeks ahead of Royal Rumble, he did not have a very strong showing in the Rumble.
Wrestling Inc has reported that Cesaro's contract with WWE is set to expire soon. The report says that the former Tag Team Champion's contract will end sometime after WrestleMania 37.
It will be interesting to see how WWE uses Cesaro before his contract finally expires.
#1 Reason for botch during Last Man Standing match between SmackDown Superstars Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns
A spot where SmackDown Superstar Kevin Owens had handcuffed Roman Reigns to a light stand during their Last Man Standing match at Royal Rumble went wrong. Reigns was unable to open the handcuffs in time which led to a series of botched events and on the spot improvisation.
As per Dave Meltzer of WON, the reason behind the problem was that the hole with the key was on the wrong side.
Okay, so, the handcuffs, the hole with the key was on the wrong side. The keyhole was on the wrong side. They didn't get it in time or something. Time stood still.
Although Reigns and Heyman finally managed to get the handcuffs unhooked, the delay made it very clear that the spot did not go as planned.
