Backstage News On Hit Row, Their WWE Release, Interest Outside of WWE
Added 2021-11-19 18:39:17 +0000 UTCWe haven't heard anything specifically about Hit Row as a unit, outside of that AJ Francis' polarizing reaction on Twitter did carry over to some within the company. A couple of internal WWE sources compared it to Greg Hamilton "getting a little too comfortable." We were told this was not the specific factor leading to his release or that of the group, but was an internal observation. There were others that enjoyed his approach within the company.
At the same time, one of the sources said that Top Dolla was also highly regarded for his hosting ability and dedication to the Hit Row team. He was once considered to host Raw Underground before they went a different direction.
There were some significant creative pitches for Hit Row, we just haven't heard how far they got. There was plenty of back and forth internally as to who should lead as the singles talent in the group, if they should be faces or heels, and the direction for them in general.
Completely separate of Hit Row, we've heard from officials involved in multiple companies, including major ones, who have indicated that they already have interest in bringing in Swerve Scott/Strickland. For those wondering, he has a 90-day no-compete clause.
Comments
If the Twitter stuff was a main factor in at least Top Dolla getting released (not saying it was, just "if") it would seems bit hypocritical of WWE as other than money, the thing they seem to value most is heat. I guess it only counts if it's something Vince came up with. If you do it yourself your screwed since Vince isn't in control.
Jeff Brown
2021-11-20 17:30:56 +0000 UTCWWE, where everything's kayfabe and nothing matters, that's right, nothing matters just like the legal system in America for white men.
CSDX
2021-11-19 22:08:40 +0000 UTCTop Dolla tweeted “See y’all in 90 days “ so I’m assuming it was. It was mentioned when B Fab was released that she had just signed a new deal. I wouldn’t be shocked if all of Hit row signed when she did
Joel Wood
2021-11-19 21:59:25 +0000 UTCIt kinda reminds me a lot of the Forgotten sons. Now, what Top Dolla did was nothing compared to what Ryker did but it still seems to fall under the same line of the teammates suffered for the actions of one of their stable mates. Obviously, I don’t think it got them fired as Sean stated above. I just don’t think it helped their cause either. I think Swerve and Ashante are can’t miss talents that should get booked early and often. MLW maybe the best landing spot if I’m being honest. Or Impact.
Joel Wood
2021-11-19 21:58:06 +0000 UTCAre they calling up people from NXT. Just to change their contracts to a 90 day no compete?
Ezequiel Jackson
2021-11-19 19:10:00 +0000 UTCI honestly still can't believe this. What was even the point.. You wait until they get seriously popular in NXT, bring them up, and release them all within weeks. I just don't get it. When you have a group like that, a talent like Swerve, you find a way to make it work. You MAKE room for them. Mind boggling. I wish them and everyone else the absolute best.
The Silent Heel
2021-11-19 18:53:58 +0000 UTCThis seems like a good indication that WWE knows exactly what it doesn't want but doesn't know what it has. They are looking for rare diamonds and even if some gold ends up in the pan, it ain't a diamond, get rid of it.
2021-11-19 18:53:36 +0000 UTCLet me reiterate -- this story is not saying Top Dolla got them fired. Any aggregation, talking point or tweet saying otherwise is bullshit at least as far as this story goes. It says that as polarizing as it was publicly, it also was backstage
Fightful Select
2021-11-19 18:48:37 +0000 UTCYeah, Swerve should absolutely land on his feet and I don't think anything Top Dolla said should really be disqualifying, but it's also not the best look. As for B-Fab and Ashonte, I have no idea. Seemed like everyone but Swerve probably needed a lot more ring time.
David Blumberg
2021-11-19 18:44:09 +0000 UTC
