WWE performer Mike Kanellis (Mike Bennett) issued a statement on Monday that he has requested his release from the company.
In the post, he confirmed signing a new deal back in June “because I thought it was what was best for my family, and maybe from a financial standpoint it was.”
Bennett said working one day a week doesn’t cut it for him and doesn’t see an opportunity for more presently. He added that he has been bringing his work frustrations home and isn’t good for his family.
Bennett, alongside wife Maria Kanellis, left Impact Wrestling in early 2017 and debuted with WWE in June that year. Last year, the couple was moved to 205 Live and had been primarily utilized on that show until a recent storyline was presented on Raw playing off Kanellis’ pregnancy and a mystery over whether Bennett was the father or not. The story had stalled with Bennett back on 205 Live last Friday night at the episode in Las Vegas.
Bennett is not the first talent to ask for their release as there have been varying outcomes for talent wanting out. Shawn Spears was an example of one who requested their release, stating it publicly, and was granted it. However, Luke Harper attempted the same strategy and was iced for months until being brought back in September and aligned with Erick Rowan for a program against Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan.
The deal Bennett signed back in June was reported by Fightful to be five-years in length.
POST Wrestling has reached out to WWE with a request regarding Bennett’s status with the company.
— Miracle (@RealMikeBennett) October 14, 2019
