Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
– The decision to release Brian Kendrick was made two weeks ago after he was pulled from a planned program with Evan Bourne. Kendrick had been warned several times that WWE wasn’t going to tolerate his failing multiple drug tests for marijuana. His marijuana use was likely a contributing factor to his release and he was one of at least 2 Superstars who had their pushes stopped due to pot use. Kendrick’s release was also meant and taken as a warning for higher profile talents who have been failing pot tests.
However, when John Laurinaitis informed Kendrick he was being let go, the story was that it was because of the economy. Those who heard that story couldn’t believe they gave him such a lame and bogus reason for being fired. Kendrick was told that his release could have happened much sooner but agent Pat Patterson had spoken up for him.
