Backstage Update On Velveteen Dream's WWE Release

Velveteen Dream was cut by WWE yesterday. Here's an update on the situation.

Velveteen Dream
WWE.com

WWE released Velveteen Dream on Thursday, doing so around 24 hours after cutting eight other NXT performers including Alexander Wolfe, Jessamyn Duke, and controversial referee Drake Wuertz.

While the reason for Dream's departure hasn't yet come to light, a new report from Fightful Select outlines the former NXT North American Champion's recent circumstances.

It is noted that Dream, who hasn't wrestled since facing Adam Cole in December 2020, hadn't been present at many recent NXT television tapings. He had, however, been attending WWE's open ring sessions, and there was an escalating sense of concern that the 25-year-old was being set up to potentially coach classes.

Advertisement

WWE Senior Director of Talent Development Canyon Ceman emailed company personnel to let them know of Dream's departure at approximately 4:45 PM EST yesterday. Velveteen's 30-day non-compete clause means he will be free to sign with other promotions from 19 June.

Once considered one of the most promising prospects in wrestling, 2020 saw Dream subjected to multiple allegations of sexual harassment committed against minors, prompting an internal WWE investigation in which Triple H claimed the company hadn't found anything. Velveteen was reportedly backstage at this week's Raw.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.