We're four days removed from "Black Wednesday," in professional wrestling. On that day, the wrestling world watched as mass releases were unfolding through social media. And while Wednesday was hard, with friendships being paused and futures becoming uncertain, there is a legit chance that this may light a fire under professional wrestling's ass when things come back to normal.
Today, I'll look at each individual from the main roster who was released on Wednesday. I'll find each the perfect home for the next journey. Obviously, I don't know the constraints that companies will feel in a few months when we get the okay to be out and about again - so some of this is fantasy book I guess.
In this column, I'll focus on Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins, Anderson & Gallows, and Heath Slater.
One final note before we dig in, per Dave Meltzer: All of the talent will be on non-competes until 7/15. (Wrestling Observer Newsletter, April 20th, 2020 issue)
DRAKE MAVERICK
Maverick debuted with WWE in 2018, debuting as the newly appointed General Manager of 205 Live. He would later turn heel and manage the tag team of AOP. He remained a face on 205, but a heel on Raw. It was confusing. He also pee'd himself on Raw. Maverick managed EC3 in a match that McMahon hated, so the duo were never put together again.
Drake is a likable guy. After being released by WWE, he went to his social media to let everyone know his feelings. You saw real emotions playing out in real time - and the fans ate it up.
That was his million dollar moment, in the darkest of times. So where does Drake head? I don't want to see him back in Impact, as he's been there. I want this "Black Wednesday," to create new worlds and new matches.
Where He Should Go: Ring of Honor
Where He Probably Ends Up: Impact Wrestling
I think Maverick becomes an instant star in ROH. Right out of the gates. Going back to Impact just makes it seem like the whole leaving to begin with was a failure - It's not. This is not his fault.
CURT HAWKINS
Hawkins is an interesting story. He had two stints in McMahon Land - holding the tag titles (Raw brand) twice with Zack Ryder. He's mostly known in WWE for his losing streak. From April 10th, 2017 till April 7th, 2019 Hawkin's dropped 269 straight matches. Only the Detroit Lions have a longer losing streak, having never won a god damn.. Sorry.
Through all the losing, Curt gained a very devoted fandom - so much so, he and Ryder parlayed their popularity into a very popular podcast, "The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast,".
Where He Should Go: I think Hawkins would benefit from some time on the independent wrestling circuit.
Where He Probably Ends Up: Ring of Honor
I'd love to see Hawkin's ply his trade in Beyond Wrestling or AAW. I think however, he'll probably price himself to far out and will end up in Ring Of Honor.
KARL ANDERSON & LUKE GALLOWS
These guys are a packaged deal - I dont' see them going separate ways to separate companies. They instantly make whatever tag division they go to much better.
The bulk of their fame has been due to the time in Japan. Original members of The Bullet Club, I think the choice is really kind of easy. I said I wanted new places and faces but I to understand that sometimes you go back to where you felt the most confidence in an effort to return to that mindset.
Where They Should Go: NJPW
Where They Probably End up: NJPW
I mean - It's really a no brainer.
HEATH SLATER
I love me some Heath Slater. I enjoy talent that seem like they are having the time of their lives, being genuine and giving it their all. Slater feels like a guy I could have a beer with, have a great conversation with. He's seen some pretty good days with WWE for the last sixteen years. From his days in FCW till his last days in WWE, Slater has been entertaining. A 3-time Tag Team title holder, two time SmackDown tag title winner, Slater brought an it factor to his role - regardless of what it was. He's a good in-ring worker who provides a wealth of knowledge after 16 years of working but still young at 36 years old.
Any company would benefit from having him involved, somehow.
Where He Should Go: NWA
Where He Will Probably Go: Impact Wrestling
I just think the knowledge that Slater has, that he'd help NWA grow even faster - Can you picture Slater holding that beautiful red TV title? I imagine once this is over, however, the big pockets will come out to pay, and I think Impact will no doubt be in play.