The former WWE star Tino Sabbatelli believes that the executive vice president for Global Talent Strategy & Development of WWE Triple H should have handled his second departure from WWE in a more professional manner.
The former WWE star opens up on Triple H
Sabbatelli had a stint with WWE as part of the NXT brand between October 2014 and April 2020. He returned to the company in October 2020 before receiving his release for the second time in June 2021.
Speaking on Chris Van Vliet’s Insight podcast, the former footballer vented his frustration with the NXT founder’s booking of his character.
“I lost a little respect because I didn’t get a call, I didn’t get a text from Triple H,” Sabbatelli said. “I called him and I reached out to him. I didn’t respect that, man, because I felt like I gave them everything that I had for five, six years, and he told me and numerous people told me that my character had star main-event caliber potential. But how do I never get a shot? Nothing.”
He also stated that he was not sure about his release. Sabbatelli believes his age played a part in his sudden WWE exit. Reflecting on a meeting he had with Triple H upon his return, Sabbatelli said he told ‘The Game’ that he wanted to receive an opportunity:
“I said, ‘Okay, H. Again, I’m honored, privileged, but I’ve gotta be honest with you, I bought into everything you asked me to do for five years. I humbled myself, I was extremely grateful. All I want is an opportunity, just an opportunity for the character Tino,’ because I felt like he was the dude that everybody talked about.”
Before his second departure, the 38-year-old headlined in-house live events at the Performance Center against Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa. He also received assurances from WWE producer Jamie Noble that Vince McMahon would like him.
