WWE: D-Von Dudley Announces Departure, Naomi WWE Return & Contract Update, More News

Jan 20, 2023

D-Von Dudley Announces Departure from WWE

WWE Hall of Famer and NXT coach D-Von Dudley announced on Twitter that he has recently left WWE.

Dudley stated that his departure was a mutual decision made by himself and WWE.

I would like to say thank you to everyone out there Who has supported me over the years and been in my corner. It was a great 32-year career, with 20 of those years I’ve been with Bubba entertaining you, and I’m sure somewhere down the road we will do it again.
The company (wwe) and I have decided to parted ways, and feel this is the best Decision for all parties it’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with the young talent when bubba as well as everyone over in NXT. As well as working with some of the best producers in the world.
would like to thank Vince , Paul(HHH), Stephanie, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the opportunity that was given. I’m very excited to see where God brings me next, Oh my brother……. TESTIFY!!!!

I would like to say thank you to everyone out there Who has supported me over the years and been in my corner. It was a great 32 year career with 20 of those years I’ve been with Bubba entertaining you, and I’m sure somewhere down The road we will do it again.
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) January 19, 2023

The company (wwe)and I have decided to parted ways, and feel this is the best Decision for all parties it’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with the young talent when bubba as well as everyone over in NXT. As well as working with some of the best producers in the world.
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) January 19, 2023

would mike to thank Vince , Paul(HHH), Stephanie, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the Opportunity that was given. I’m very excited to see where God brings me next, Oh my brother……. TESTIFY!!!!
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) January 19, 2023

Naomi WWE Return & Contract Status Update

As noted before, Naomi has been absent from WWE since this past May due to her current suspensions over a walk out incident with former WWE talent Sasha Banks during a WWE RAW show in Norfolk, Virginia. Naomi’s contract with the company was set to expire this past summer but is currently believed to have been frozen.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Naomi has “maintained positive contact” with WWE since her walkout incident last year. One high-level source reportedly stated that they feel confident that Naomi will eventually return to the company but did not offer a potential timetable.

In regards to Naomi’s contract status, it was reported that their sources confirmed that Naomi’s contract was close to expiring at the time of her walkout incident. Naomi and WWE officials reportedly have been in talks for a potential new deal stated to be “the biggest money contract of her career.”

WWE News & Notes

WWE reportedly is bringing in indie wrestler Jason Cade to work as a backstage producer for their upcoming Royal Rumble 2023 event, according to Fightful Select. It was reported that their sources stated that WWE officials are currently planning for Cade to help produce the Women’s Royal Rumble match at the event. It was also reported that it is currently not known if this will be just a one-time type deal, as part of a producer trial run, or as a new full-time type deal.

Becky Lynch recently announced on Instagram that she was a guest for an episode of the Kelly Clarkson Show that will be airing next week.

WWE reportedly recently signed Alexis Grey, former track and field athlete at Texas Southern University, and Ezekiel Balogun, former college basketball player at North Florida, to NXT developmental contracts with the company, according to PWInsider.

Little Caesars Arena, host venue of tonight’s WWE SmackDown show in Detroit, Michigan, reportedly had to be evacuated on Thursday following an ammonia leak incident, according to The Detroit News. This incident reportedly took place in the basement of the venue and two people suffered chemical burns.