The Reason Josh Matthews Was Fired From WWE

UPDATE: As we reported yesterday (see below), Josh Mathews was released from the WWE. It’s now being reported that his release wasn’t due to anything he did wrong, but it was because of the company’s ongoing budget cuts. Mathews was said to be “at the bottom of the list” of announcers, working only pay-per-view “kickoff” shows. Despite that, his release was a huge surprise to many within WWE.

UPDATE: x 2: Josh Matthews, who as we reported has left WWE, was backstage at the iMPACT! taping Wednesday night in New York City.

There is no word on if he has a no-compete clause or if his WWE contract expired and he’s free to work for TNA or other promotions.

As noted earlier, former WWE wrestlers Ezekiel Jackson and Gene Snitsky were backstage at last night’s TNA iMPACT! Wrestling taping in New York City. It’s unknown if they are actually working the show or just visiting.

Jackson lives in the NYC area while Snitsky lives in Pennsylvania.

Matt Hardy, Reby Sky, Rhino, Tommy Dreamer, The Amazing Red, Low Ki and others are also backstage.

ORIGINAL: Josh Mathews has reportedly left the WWE. The company hasn’t actually reported the news, but his profile was removed from WWE.com and added to the alumni section of the website.

Mathews first appeared for WWE in 2001 on the original MTV Tough Enough series. He has been announcing for the company in various forms since December 2002 and was previously hosting the WWE Network’s Raw, Smackdown and PPV Pre and Post Show panels.

BREAKING NEWS: 2 more WWE firings >>