Revealed: Why WWE Released Velveteen Dream

Velveteen Dream addresses his WWE departure in lengthy Instagram story.

Velveteen Dream
WWE.com

The former Velveteen Dream has addressed his WWE release in a lengthy Instagram story, claiming that he was let go from the promotion as a result of the allegations of sexual harassment and grooming thrown his way in 2020.

Dream (real name: Patrick Clark) alleged the following:-

"The allegations from April 20 2020 have effectively derailed any upward momentum I had professional. And has ultimately resulted in my termination with WWE."

The 25-year-old then went into greater detail on the allegations themselves, issuing his longest statement on the matter yet, having previously responded via short repudiation.

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Clark was formally released by WWE on Thursday 20 May, 24 hours after eight other NXT talents were let go due to reported "budget cuts." No reason was given for Clark's release at the time.

April 2020 saw Clark hit by the first round of allegations, with his accusers posting what they claimed to be screenshots of text messages from Dream, a voice clip, and a naked photograph. Two months later, as the #SpeakingOut movement gathered steam, the accusations were expanded, with Clark alleged to have sent an explicit photograph to an underage girl and groomed minors.

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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.