WWE has released Kassius Ohno, formerly Chris Hero, from developmental. He was informed of the news on Friday morning while waiting to begin training at the WWE Performance Center.
Ohno was one of the top independent workers in the world before signing with WWE, wrestling main event programs for Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling NOAH, CHIKARA, IWA Mid-South and CZW.
Update: Backstage Reaction To Kassius Ohno’s Release From WWE
He signed with WWE in 2012 and has long been considered one of the most promising talents in developmental. He had some issues with management this year due to them feeling he needed to get into better physical shape. He was pulled from several NXT shows during this time, but eventually hit the gym and improved his physique and conditioning.
Jim Ross Talks About Kassius Ohno’s Big Potential In WWE
He recently returned to NXT television, with his now-final match airing on this past week’s show, where he lost to The Wyatt Family’s Luke Harper.
The release is a surprising one, as Ohno was believed to be on the fast track to the main roster and was cut from the same cloth as guys like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, who also worked their way up the independent circuit.
Ohno is already accepting indy bookings and has signed on for a PWS show on 11/16 (against Hurricane Helms) and Pro Wrestling Guerilla’s All Star Weekend in December.
