Top SmackDown Rumors: Former World Champion wanted Rey Mysterio 'buried'; Vince McMahon unimpressed with talented performer; Backstage conspiracy against major Superstar? (19th February)

#1 Original plans for The Mysterio family on SmackDown

La familia es todo.#WWERaw @reymysterio @35_dominik pic.twitter.com/qJO3JOynsS

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 8, 2020

SmackDown Superstar Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik Mysterio are currently embroiled in a feud with King Corbin. As per Dave Meltzer of WON, the original plan was to have Murphy as well as Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler also be part of the program.

The plan was to have the team of Murphy, Rey Mysterio, and Dominik Mysterio take on King Corbin and his two henchmen - Blake and Cutler. However, due to Steve Cutler being released from WWE, Blake and Murphy also had to lose their slots on SmackDown.

Originally it was going to be Corbin & Blake & Cutler vs. The Mysterios & Murphy. Then Cutler and The Mysterios all tested positive and it was put on hold. When they brought the Mysterios back, the decision was made to drop everyone else. Cutler was fired and I don’t know why given that dozens of wrestlers in WWE have had COVID and nobody was fired including major stars like McIntyre and Mysterio of late and other headliners.

Unfortunately, today I was released. It was shocking, to say the least. But, I am excited about the future and all the possibilities in front of me. Thanks for your continued support. 90 days... the countdown begins🍻🍻

— Steve Maclin (@SteveCutlerWWE) February 5, 2021

Meltzer also mentioned that while Cutler was the only person fired, Murphy and Blake were not called back on SmackDown despite their availability.