Update On Harper's WWE Release Request

In this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, which as always we recommend you read in full (particularly for the fascinating tidbits surrounding Viceland's Dark Side of the Ring documentary series), Dave Meltzer has provided an update on Harper's recent release request.

His going public seemed a savvy tactic, initially; he followed the successful precedent of Tye Dillinger, who effectively dared WWE to release him earlier this year in a ballsy Twitter gambit. Harper reportedly was less successful, in that WWE has denied the request. Moreover, and what a flex this is, particularly in its inconsistency, WWE has added an additional six months to his existing deal as "time owed" from his absence on the sidelines following wrist surgery.

"Their viewpoint," Meltzer writes, "is that he can't leave until just before next year's WrestleMania."

Meltzer speculates that this is a measure taken to dissuade talent from going nuclear with their unhappiness, of which there are allegedly more who haven't yet publicised their desire to leave.

WWE has bogged down the swamp monster, and where Harper goes from here is anybody's guess. WWE's refusal to release him indicates that, unlike Tye Dillinger or Goldust, he may be in their plans.

Then again, WWE refused to release Mike Kanellis, and he has *checks notes* lost five of his last six matches on 205 Live.