It seems asking for your release and announcing it publicly is not the way to go if you want to leave WWE…
The latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that Luke Harper will not be granted his release – in fact WWE plans to extend his contract. Their position is that he will not be able to leave until just before WrestleMania 36 in 2020 as they can say his deal was “frozen” while being out injured. His deal was due to end in November.
This tactic has previously been employed by WWE with Neville/Pac and also reportedly something they plan to use if the impasse with Sasha Banks cannot be resolved.
Vince McMahon’s approach to these situations is two fold – he does not want it to appear that talent wants to leave WWE, nor is he willing to help expand the talent pools of AEW, New Japan, ROH, and other promotions.
