Former WWE ring announcer, wrestler and color commentator Ricardo Rodriguez has been released by WWE – and the company is making a big mistake by letting him go. He was not being used much, but he was so talented and was able to play so many different roles in the company.
Rodriguez arrived as an introducer to the similarly debuting Alberto Del Rio in 2010. Rodriguez was the one with personality. Del Rio is often called boring and for good reason. He never has anything interesting to say and he seems to just repeat himself in feuds. WWE seemed very high on him, but it became apparent that Rodriguez was more popular than Del Rio. Hence, why Del Rio has been demoted to Superstars and Main Event.
Eventually the two split up, that is after a face run. Del Rio attacked Rodriguez who would begin to manage Rob Van Dam later on. That was a strange combination. Since then, Rodriguez performed on NXT as El Local and would provide commentary at the Spanish announce table on pay-per-views.
El Local was a great character that didn’t really make it full-time on the main roster. In NXT, he was recently teaming with fellow luchador Kalisto. It seemed as though they made for a very exciting babyface tag team. The perfect rivals to the Ascension. But recently, Kalisto began teaming with Sin Cara instead.
Rodriguez wrestled, managed, was a commentator and was successful in every area. While I can’t understand the commentary since my Spanish is not at that level, Rodriguez is very talented in the ring and on the microphone. He matched up well with Santino Marella’s comedy role. Maybe that’s how we ended up with a Tuxedo match for the first time in almost a decade.
Ricardo may have asked for his release, but it doesn’t surprise me that WWE agreed to it. WWE has been making cuts in all areas, including talent. Brodus Clay, Curt Hawkins, Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal and even Josh Mathews have been let go. WWE could have continued to use Rodriguez as El Local, but they never utilized him to his full potential. They gave Kalisto a replacement in Sin Cara. The man formerly known as Hunico is not nearly as entertaining and doesn’t have much of a personality under the current gimmick.
What does the future hold for Ricardo Rodriguez and El Local?
There is always the independent scene in the United States and Mexico is an option as well. Rodriguez tweeted that he missed wrestling and that will most likely be his focus going forward. Wherever he has the best opportunity to wrestle, you will see him. He has a talented wrestler and entertainer and may he have much success in the future.
What are your thoughts on the release of Ricardo Rodriguez? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Seth Guttenplan is a math and computer technology teacher for special education students in New Jersey. In his free time, Seth writes about wrestling. Follow Seth on twitter @sethgutt
