Max Dupri has reportedly been pulled as the mouthpiece of the Maximum Male Models stable on SmackDown and replaced by his on-screen sister, Maxxine.
According to Wade Keller of PW Torch, a backstage decision was made by Vince McMahon two weeks ago to remove the performer, formerly known variously as L.A. Knight and Eli Drake, from the storyline.
Originally billed for this week’s edition of SmackDown, a Maximum Male Models 2022 beachwear segment was instead promoted for next week’s show. The clip was fronted by recent NXT signee, Sofia Cromwell, who will play the role of Maxxine Dupri going forward.
According to Keller, Max Dupri (real name Shaun Ricker) knew of the plans last week when he appeared on SmackDown to introduce ma.cé and mån.sôör modeling their 2022 tennis collection.
Max Dupri, together with the repackaged Mace and Mansoor, debuted their new personas on the July 1st episode of SmackDown. It is not known if there are alternative plans to utilize Ricker, nor whether McMahon’s departure will affect the storyline.
