WWE fans were taken by surprise when superstar Bronson Reed failed to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match on February 24. The Australian native expressed interest in competing at the premium live event but missed the opportunity. During WWE Elimination Chamber, Reed shared that WWE was initially planned to be on the show. 

On Twitter, Reed revealed his original involvement at WWE Elimination Chamber and why he’s thankful he wasn’t on the show. 

“…Originally, I was set to be at #WWEChamber. It would have been an incredible moment. Unfortunately, plans changed,” wrote Reed. He added, “But everything happens for a reason. My wife and I have had our baby early, I was supposed to miss the PLE to make sure I’m here for my family. Thank you for all your support. To all my friends and family who have reached out.
To
@TripleH
for guiding me.” 

It’s worth noting that Reed didn’t exactly share why plans changed for him not to be competing at the PLE. However, it has allowed him to be around for the birth of his child. 

Triple H (and many others) congratulated Big Bronson Reed on the blessing of becoming a parent.

Congratulations @BRONSONISHERE. Family is everything and fatherhood is amazing. I am proud of you for not only your work, but for the journey you’re now embarking on. Enjoy every moment.

You’re exactly where you needed to be! https://t.co/BkYFPseRbr

— Triple H (@TripleH) February 24, 2024

Reed lost his opportunity in a match to Bobby Lashley to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match on the February 12 episode of Monday Night Raw. It’s unclear if WWE may have had another featured match that Reed could’ve been involved in at the event. However, he isn’t involved in a storyline or a feud, so it seems unlikely. 

What’s Next For Bronson Reed? 

Although Reed has missed out on competing at the PLE in Perth, Australia, he could still be in the picture for a match at WWE WrestleMania 40 in April. The two-night event allows for more opportunities for superstars to be on the card. 

WWE also has the annual Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, which he could be involved with. However, the match has occurred the day before WWE WrestleMania in recent years, so it’s unclear if that will happen again this year. 

Despite his current situation, Reed still has a bright career in WWE. Fans may be disappointed that he wasn’t on the WWE Elimination Chamber card. However, thankfully, he was around to be with his wife and newborn child. 

WWE Raw Superstar Bronson Reed is disappointed that he will not be competing at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth, but this is not due to his wife. 

The February 24, Premium Live Event will be WWE’s first PLE in Australia since 2018. While WWE has several Australian Superstars on its roster, only a couple will be featured on the show. WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley will defend her title against Nia Jax while Grayson Waller will host his talk show with Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins as guests. 

Bronson Reed on WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

Bronson Reed, a native of Adelaide who is billed from the Black Forest, is among those Aussie Superstars who won’t be competing at WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth. Online, there has been speculation that this could be because Reed’s wife is currently pregnant. 

In a tweet, the former WWE NXT North American Champion made clear that his wife’s pregnancy did not play a role, simply stating that sometimes the stars do not align. Reed also used a gif of Will Smith, encouraging fans to keep his wife’s name out of their mouths. 

My people,
Yes, my wife is pregnant.
No, that is not the reason I'm not on #WWEChamber???
Thank you for your concerns. Sometimes, the stars don't align. pic.twitter.com/G5Go0kpddU

— BIG BRONSON REED (@BRONSONISHERE) February 22, 2024

WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth

Here is the card for WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth as it currently stands:

• The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor and Damian Priest) (c) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate) (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships)

• Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Raquel Rodriguez (Elimination Chamber Match for a WWE Women’s World Championship match at WWE WrestleMania 40)

• Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Nia Jax (WWE Women’s World Championship)

• Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. Bobby Lashley vs. LA Knight vs. Kevin Owens vs. Logan Paul (Elimination Chamber Match for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WWE WrestleMania 40)

The Superstars of WWE are kept plenty busy in the ring, but they also find the time to unwind by binging their favorite Netflix shows. 

Last month, it was announced that Raw will move to Netflix as part of a $5 billion deal with the streaming giant. Fans in the U.S. will have access to Monday Night Raw each week, while those outside of the States will receive Raw, SmackDown, WWE NXT, and Premium Live Events. Netflix will not cover monthly PLEs in areas where deals are already in place with other distributors, such as India.

The Superstars’ Favorite Shows 

Alpha Academy’s Maxxine Dupri said that she had just finished The Crown, the historical drama series based on the lives of the British Royal Family. The show’s sixth and most recent season addresses 1997 to 2005 and covers the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the early relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Dupri said the show was “so good” and that she was “obsessed.”

‘Big’ Bronson Reed has been enjoying an Australian show called Boy Swallows Universe. The story revolves around Eli Bell, a working-class youth who enters Brisbane’s underworld to save his mother from danger. It is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Trent Dalton. When not watching that, the former NXT North American Champion enjoys the relaxed competition of the Great British Bake Off. 

Ivy Nile enjoys documentaries but has also been watching You, which the Raw Superstar admits is not her typical kind of show. The four-season show follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who obsessively follows a woman he becomes infatuated with in the show’s first season. 

Nia Jax loves stirring up some drama, so it makes sense that she enjoys Safe. The show focuses on Tom Delaney (played by Dexter’s Michael C. Hall) who uncovers a web of secrets as he frantically searches for his missing 16-year-old daughter. Jax also enjoys Peaky Blinders. the period crime drama about the Birmingham, UK-based gang of the same name and their escapades following World War 1. 

WWE Superstars favorite Netflix shows! ? pic.twitter.com/cGDI1t1VmM

— MuscleManMalcolm (@MalcolmMuscle) February 13, 2024

Triple H brought back a lot of Superstars that Vince McMahon decided to release during the pandemic. Bronson Reed is one talent that was re-signed by WWE, but it’s been a very slow start for him. Now, he’s about to snap.

Bronson Reed Is About To Snap

On WWE RAW this week, Reed faced Bobby Lashley in a qualifying match for the men’s Elimination Chamber match at the themed PLE, scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia. That did not turn out the way he wanted it to for the big man.

Lashley secured his spot alongside Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and another star who must qualify in the bout. Needless to say, Bronson Reed, who is from Australia, was pretty torn up about not being in the match.

Reed, who has predominantly played a heel role since returning to WWE, hinted at a potential character shift. During an interview with WWE Digital after RAW, he expressed disappointment in feeling that he let down his family and friends from Australia.

“Super disappointed. This is what I’ve dreamed about my whole life: being able to be on a WWE PLE in my home country of Australia. I feel like I’ve let down my family, I’ve let down the fans, and I’ve let down all of Australia. I couldn’t get the job done tonight…..I don’t know where I go. I planned 2024 to be a big year for Big Bronson Reed, and it’s not going to plan. I’m just at my wits’ end, and eventually, I’m going to snap.”

EXCLUSIVE: After coming up short to qualify for #WWEChamber in Perth, @BRONSONISHERE doesn't take it well.#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/9RJUxC01I1

— WWE (@WWE) February 13, 2024

What’s Next

WWE has a few more pieces to put together for the 2024 Elimination Chamber match. In previous years, they have arranged a last-chance match with losers of qualifying matches to determine the final spot. It would be very fitting for Reed to get that spot, especially since this loss added even more fuel to the fire that a change is needed to reach the top of WWE.

SE Scoops will have continued coverage of WWE’s Elimination Chamber build. It would be nice if Bronson Reed is able to get a spot in the big match, but only time will tell what WWE has in store for him. 

Bronson Reed Wants the World Heavyweight Championship

Bronson Reed has yet to hold gold on WWE’s main roster but is setting his sights on Raw’s top prize. When a fan said that WWE needs a “Big Boy Belt” for the superheavyweights of the company, Reed made it clear he wants the World Heavyweight Championship. 

No
… I got my eyes elsewhere. https://t.co/PSTLZoaa5e pic.twitter.com/NXB71G0bRS

— BIG BRONSON REED (@BRONSONISHERE) December 15, 2023

The World Heavyweight Championship has been held by Seth Rollins since May of this year. Reed is a former NXT North American Champion. 

NXT Photographer Leaves WWE

WWE NXT is how many Superstars are introduced to fans, but for one member of the crew, the gold brand is where his tenure with WWE will end. On Twitter, Esteban Cardenas said that this week’s NXT taping was his last and was grateful for his time with the brand. 

Tonight is my final taping

This 2019-2023 run is something will never be topped

NXT will forever be home

Let’s Go out strong #wwenxt pic.twitter.com/pXzPeAusHY

— Esteban Cardenas (@ECBITW) December 13, 2023

Kevin Owens Meets Brendan Fraser

Kevin Owens’ career as a WWE Superstar has allowed him the chance to meet many interesting names. This week, the SmackDown Superstar met with Brendan Fraser. Owens bumped into the star of The Mummy and The Whale at Disneyland. 

The encounter you never knew you needed ? pic.twitter.com/Et3111JjDf

— WWE (@WWE) December 14, 2023

Kelani Jordan Wins Big at the PC

NXT Superstar Kelani Jordan has been impressing fans and had a very impressive performance in the Iron Survivor Challenge at WWE NXT Deadline. Jordan is also making an impression outside of the ring. On Twitter, the young Superstar shared that she has been awarded the ‘Queen of the Weight Room’ accolade at the Performance Center. 

So honored to be the WWE Performance Center’s “QUEEN OF THE WEIGHT ROOM!!” ??????? pic.twitter.com/MtaNOi1WOO

— Kelani Jordan (@kelani_wwe) December 15, 2023

Jordan made her in-ring debut for WWE in October of last year and had her first TV match in May 2023. She has a 17-21 win/loss record. 

Santos Escobar Improvises

During their match at Survivor Series, Santos Escobar tried to tear the mask off of Dragon Lee. On the Wrestling with Freddie podcast, Santos admitted the spot wasn’t planned. 

 I tore Dragon Lee’s mask. That was 100% non-scripted. That was just the heel in me and I think it’s important that our audiences get that feel.

Escobar won their match and their first-round match in the U.S. Championship Contenders Tournament. 

The Superstars of WWE could be heading down under in due time for a stadium event in Australia.

In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that the state government of Western Australia is “negotiating” with WWE to run a major stadium show.

Dave Meltzer writes that if successful, the likely city for the event would be Perth, which recently hosted a UFC show.

UFC shows outside the U.S. are, in essence, local governments bringing in UFC for tourism or other reasons, and WWE would bring a ton of attraction to Perth.

WWE in Australia

While Sydney may be approximately 10,000 miles from WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, the promotion has a solid history with Australia.

In 2002, over 56,000 fans filled Colonial Stadium for WWE’s Global Warning event, which saw The Rock defeat Triple H and Brock Lesnar to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event.

It would be over 14 years later that WWE would have taped content in Australia, filming matches for NXT in December 2016 that would air the next month.

70,000 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2018 for Super ShowDown, and WWE has done several untelevised tours of Australia, the most recent being in 2019.

Homecoming

If this show goes ahead, it will be a homecoming for many of the Superstars in NXT and on the main roster.

On the main roster, recently returned Superstars Emma and Bronson Reed call Australia home, as does 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley.

NXT is also home to some exceptional Australian talent, including Duke Hudson, Xyon Quinn, Indi Hartwell, and Grayson Waller.

Bronson Reed is back with WWE after being released in 2021, but for a long time accepted that he would never be a WWE Superstar.

The Australian’s exit from the promotion in August of that year was certainly a shock to fans, given how he had been pushed as a future top star of the brand.

Reed had even received a couple of WWE Main Event appearances, which traditionally is how WWE tests the waters for a main roster call-up.

The Release

Reed was one of many WWE Superstars released by the company that year, all of which were explained at the time as down to ‘budget cuts.’

Speaking on After the Bell, Reed said he had mixed emotions over his release.

“To be honest, I think everyone that’s been through something like that takes it differently. I was surprised in the way that I did take it. I was more angry than anything. I wasn’t so much sad or anything like that. I just thought that I had so much potential because things were going my way.

I was the North American Champion, only just lost that championship [before my release] so to me I was just angry that I didn’t get to do more with the WWE, which then put a chip on my shoulder and I went out there and did whatever I could to be the best that I could be which obviously got me seen to come back. So in the end, I think it was a little gutwrenching at the time but it might have been beneficial for my career.”

Outside of WWE, Reed would work as JONAH in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he’d hold his own against established stars, including getting a victory over Kazuchika Okada.

Making it to WWE

For Reed, the journey to WWE would take him across the globe from his native Australia, where he gold as part of Melbourne Championship Wrestling.

On the show, Reed said that he came to terms with the idea that he would never make it to WWE not long into his wrestling career.

“I never even dreamt I could be in WWE. When I started training in Australia in 2007, there was no one from Australia in WWE. So my intention was to be as good a pro wrestler as I could be in my home country. In my hometown, then travel around the country, then hopefully get to Japan.”

“I never even dreamt I could be in WWE.”

Bronson Reed.

Not only is Reed in WWE, but he could be the next United States Champion, as he will be part of the U.S. Title Elimination Chamber match next week.

For use of these quotes please give a h/t to SEScoops.

Fans eager to see a new United States Champion crowned at WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 may be in for a disappointing night in Montreal.

WWE Elimination Chamber will be the promotion’s next stop on the road to WrestleMania 39, and the first Montreal PLE since Breaking Point 2009.

The show will be headlined by Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Sami Zayn.

United States Championship

For the first time in history, the WWE U.S. Title will be decided inside an Elimination Chamber match.

Current and two-time champion Austin Theory will defend against Seth Rollins, Johnny Gargano, Montez Ford, Damian Priest and Bronson Reed.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is reported that Theory has filmed content for WWE that is due to air in March and is holding the U.S. Title in the footage, making a title change unlikely.

Meltzer said that while the footage does not rule out a title change entirely, the line-up in the chamber does not suggest a title change will happen. He adds:

“Gargano and Ford are unlikely to win unless the plan is to split up the Street Profits, which has been talked about but unless they have a major plan for Ford there is no reason to do so. Reed is a longshot but they could and probably will try to portray him in a manner to become a bigger star. Priest could win at this stage and would probably be the favorite aside from Theory.”

WrestleMania 39

Theory may be leaving the Elimination Chamber as United States Champion, but there will be no rest for the wicked.

Current plans for WrestleMania will see Theory face John Cena, in a match that was teased throughout 2022.

Meltzer noted in his report that Cena Vs. Theory does not need the United States title, though it was John’s first title he won in 2004.

The latest star brought back by Triple H was Bronson Reed, formerly known as JONAH, who made his return to the company on Monday’s episode of Raw. 

This is over a year after Reed was let go by the company when Vince McMahon was still in charge. There had been rumblings that Triple H wanted to bring him back. 

His return happened when the former NXT North American Champion got involved in The Miz and Dexter Lumis’ ladder match. Reed helped Miz go over and got the money that was part of the stipulation for the match. 

Triple H Got His Man

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that “Bronson Reed was a priority hire for Triple H when he gained power within WWE.” It was said that NJPW wanted to retain Reed and was hopeful he would stay. 

The report noted that Reed is done with NJPW and has signed a contract with WWE. 

After Jonah first joined WWE in January 2019, he made his televised in-ring debut as a competitor in the NXT Breakout Tournament. In May 2021, he won the NXT North American Championship. 

Jonah worked his last match on WWE television in July 2021 when he lost to Adam Cole on an episode of NXT. 

Throughout the heaviest parts of a global pandemic, WWE regularly released many Superstars under the guise of “budget cuts.” Since Vince McMahon retired and HHH was named Head of Talent Relations, he has been bringing back some Superstars. Another former Superstar returned on Monday’s WWE Raw: Bronson Reed.

Reed made a surprise appearance during the ladder match between The Miz and Dexter Lumis.He attacked Lumis, helping Miz secure the win. News that Reed was returning to WWE was first reported by Fightful on Monday.

JONAH in New Japan

JONAH has been wrestling for NJPW and NJPW STRONG. He reformed TMDK with Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls. They later added Bad Dude Tito.

JONAH competed in his first G1 this year. One year to the day of his WWE release, he pinned Kazuchika Okada. He just missed out on making it to the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament. It appeared that JONAH was well on his way to being a huge contender in New Japan.

He also spent some time in IMPACT Wrestling following his WWE release. While in WWE, he was the NXT North American Champion.

• Popular Japanese Star Says She’d Pick AEW Over WWE

Will JONAH continue forward with his success in New Japan Pro Wrestling, or try his luck with a second run in WWE.

JONAH , known in WWE as Bronson Reed, was part of NXT from 2018 to 2021 and is a former NXT North American Champion.

Despite an impressive push and rumors of a main roster call-up, Reed was released in August 2021.

Decisions, Decisions…

In August of this year, it was reported that Triple H, now WWE’s Head of Talent, was interested in bringing the Australian wrestler back.

During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that an offer has been made to JONAH.

“JONAH certainly has an offer from WWE and he’s got to make a decision. Will it be New Japan or WWE? He’s got a great push in New Japan, but you know, it’s going to be his call.”

Dave Meltzer.

Meltzer also gave his two cents on the matter, believing that JONAH would be better off staying in New Japan.

“He would actually, probably do much better in New Japan Pro Wrestling than he will do in WWE, but there is a big difference in money. Or at least the potential money. You just don’t know what you want. ]

“They’re completely different lifestyles. It depends on [what he wants.] I know a lot of guys would choose WWE, and a lot of guys would choose New Japan. It’s the circumstances.”

New Japan or WWE?

With an offer on the table, JONAH will have to make a decision soon about where his future lies.

If JONAH’s long-term goal is to be a headline act, then his future should be with NJPW according to Meltzer.

“The one thing with New Japan is he’s going to get a really big push, we’ve already seen that. He’s going to be protected and he’s going to get over because he did get over at a high level. In WWE, on the main roster, you just don’t know. You just don’t know.”

If JONAH is wanting a more secure future and to earn more, then a WWE return makes more sense.

“Main roster WWE, even the bottom number is a quarter-million [dollars a year.] That’s bottom, and obviously top is millions if you make it to the top.”

Dave Meltzer.

Being Released

It’s unclear if JONAH holds any ill will to WWE given his release in August of last year.

Speaking about the release, Meltzer said that the decision specifically came from WWE’s head at the time.

“It was a big surprise. It was Vince McMahon who made the call.”

Dave Meltzer.

After JONAH’s release, it was reported that WWE did not see the Australian as the right fit for NXT 2.0.

The revamped NXT would launch in September 2021, a month after JONAH’s release.

Triple H has made some notable moves since taking over as head of creative and head of talent relations in WWE following the resignation of Vince McMahon amid the hush money scandals. 

He has brought back several former WWE stars, and another notable former “Triple H guy” may be set for a return.

Jonah Returning to WWE?

Andrew Zarian reported on the We’re Live Pal podcast that Jonah, better known as Bronson Reed, is a name who has been talked about within the company over the last few weeks. It’s unclear whether Jonah is interested in returning to the company. 

After Jonah first joined WWE in January 2019, he made his televised in-ring debut as a competitor in the NXT Breakout Tournament. In May 2021, he won the NXT North American Championship. 

Jonah worked his last match on WWE television in July 2021 when he lost to Adam Cole on an episode of NXT. He was later released alongside several other stars. 

Following his WWE departure, he has worked for promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Impact Wrestling. The former NXT North American Champion recently participated in NJPW’s G1 Climax 32, which occurred between July 16 and August 18. He finished the tournament with 8 points in Block A and was unsuccessful in making it to the championship match. 

He is booked to wrestle for NJPW once more during the promotion’s Burning Spirit tour, which is scheduled to run until September 25.

Bronson Reed was expected to debut for Impact Wrestling at Bound For Glory. He ended up not being on the show, however. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Reed is expected to sign with Impact. The reason he wasn’t on the PPV and hasn’t debuted yet is that he was still dealing with visa issues.

“Jonah Rock, the former Bronson Reed, was scheduled to debut here for Bound for Glory but he hadn’t gotten his visa. But this is the company he is expecting to sign with,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

According to comments he made recently to Wrestling Inc, it appears Reed has his visa issues handled now and he could debut for Impact soon.

“Well, I’m not at liberty to say exactly what’s going to happen, but I am at the moment, this week, getting everything confirmed with immigration, so everything should be good to go, wherever I do go,” Reed said.

The 33-year-old Australian had been with WWE from January 2019 until being released on August 6th this year. He wrestled two dark matches on the main roster in June and then lost the North American title to Isaiah Scott later that month. His final match in WWE was a loss to Adam Cole on the 7/21 NXT show.

Bronson Reed was reportedly a lock for Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory event but it wasn’t meant to be.

Reed is free to sign with other promotions as he was part of a wave of NXT roster cuts back in August. Many were surprised by Reed’s release since he had been working dark matches and appeared primed for the main roster. He had also been pushed on NXT, winning the North American Title.

Reed spoke to Wrestling Inc and laid out what went south before his planned Impact Wrestling debut. It sounds like he did not have his governmental paperwork in order.

“Well, I’m not at liberty to say exactly what’s going to happen, but I am at the moment, this week, getting everything confirmed with immigration, so everything should be good to go, wherever I do go.”

He continued by saying that he’s excited to show the world what he’s capable of without the constraints WWE put on him.

“Basically, I feel like the last few years exposed me to the rest of the world. People got to see what Bronson Reed had to offer, but not really what Jonah had to offer. I was very much set in a mold of what WWE wanted me to be, so going forward, it’s more what I myself want to be as Jonah. So I’m looking to have some pretty cool matches and fun matches, a little different to what I did in WWE.”

Reed went on to admit that the visa process has been a “nightmare.” Reed isn’t the only one who has had to go through this. The IInspiration, a team also released by WWE, had to miss Slammiversary due to visa issues. The duo ended up making their promotional debut at Bound For Glory.

Time will tell when Reed will step inside an Impact ring. The promotion wrapped up a set of TV tapings in Las Vegas. Impact’s next big event will be Turning Point on Nov. 20.

Bronson Reed has given his take on the big news surrounding the future of ROH.

Wrestling fans were in for an unpleasant surprise with the news that ROH is in the midst of a “reconceptualizing” period. In ROH’s initial statement, the gut-wrenching news wasn’t revealed. Reports trickled in with word that the entire roster was released of their contracts.

Bronson Reed Gives Take On ROH Releases

During an interview with Wrestling Inc, Bronson Reed said he was just as surprised at the ROH news as anyone.

“It’s very shocking. I have friends within the business that have messaged me straight away saying, ‘What’s going on?’ I assume it has to do with, obviously, unfortunately, the pandemic has affected a lot of wrestling companies and what they’ve been able to earn every quarter, and it looks like, this is just me guessing, it’s from that and that’s what’s happening with Ring of Honor. But I do have some friends in Australia that were set to do work with Ring of Honor, so I’m hoping for them that they can still do so.”

Reed has gone through a release of his own. He was let go by WWE back in August.

Reed has since teased making the move to a slew of other promotions. He has yet to sign with a major company. It was reported by Fightful Select that Reed appeared to be bound for Impact Wrestling but he was pulled from the Bound for Glory event for reasons not known.

It was also reported by Fightful that NJPW has some interest in Bronson Reed.

Former WWE NXT Star Bronson Reed is still on the free agent market, but he is gaining some interest from two promotions – New Japan Pro Wrestling and Impact Wrestling. 

NJPW has reportedly made a big play for Reed (via Fightful), who is going by his previous moniker of Jonah Rock. Impact is also interested in signing him, but those in the promotion were said to not be confident that he would be making his debut this weekend. 

Impact holds its Bound for Glory pay-per-view event on Saturday night and then TV tapings on Sunday and Monday. 

Reed was let go by WWE earlier this year after his reign ended as North American Champion. He had a 30-day non-compete clause due to him being under an NXT contract so he’s been free and clear to sign with anyone since early last month. 

Before Reed had been released due to budget cuts, the company had him work several dark matches at a time where they were trying out various NXT stars such as Karrion Kross, Shotzi Blackheart, and Teagan Nox before calling them up to the main roster. 

Last week it was revealed that former WWE star Buddy Murphy would be joining the promotion to work on their United States brand.

While the 30 days non compete clause of Bronson Reed has expired already, the former NXT North American champion is taking his time in deciding where he wants to wrestle next and he has two possible destinations in mind.

The former NXT star recently appeared on Busted Open Radio. Among other things, he also provided an update on his future after recent WWE release.

Reed claimed that he is in talks with the ‘major promotions’ before saying that he doesn’t think the AEW roster has what he has to offer in the ring:

“I’m in talks with the major promotions, I can’t say any which way that I’m leaning towards. I do think that what I do offer, I don’t think AEW really has that. Impact do have some bigger talent, but no one that is really my mold.

I think it’d fit in Impact or AEW.” said Bronson Reed, “I am a huge fan and I did wrestle in Japan. That is somewhere I would like to work again.”

The former WWE star continued his explanation revealing that he is currently working on his immigration status. He said that he will hopefully have an answer for his fans about his future in a few weeks.

Bronson Reed was released from his WWE contract on August 6. Being a development star, he had a 30 days non-compete clause which has already expired. He recently shared a theory about his WWE release which you can check out here.

Bronson Reed has an idea of why WWE decided to cut ties with him.

Reed was among the slew of NXT talent releases made back in August. Reed joined the likes of Bobby Fish and Mercedes Martinez in the list of names that had been let go. For many, Reed’s name was the most surprising as he appeared to be primed for a main roster debut.

During an episode of his JONAHDROME podcast, Reed discussed what he was told by WWE management after he wrestled a dark match prior to a WWE TV taping.

“We waited for Vince, Raw is going on, he’s a very busy man. He said, ‘Good work,’ and that was it. I thought I did a pretty good job. I didn’t get told anything. Never got told that my work wasn’t good. All it was, was, ‘you need to smile more.'”

He also recalled John Laurinaitis telling him that he might have to cover up his tattoo, which he didn’t really understand.

Reed never got a definitive answer about why he was let go. However, he thinks it was probably related to his physical appearance or the company’s new initiative to avoid hiring independent wrestlers.

“I have no clue why they would release me other than it has something to do with look. I 100% think it has to do with body image or the fact that I was an indie wrestler and had been wrestling for fourteen years and they are going in this new direction of hiring young talent that are athletes outside of wrestling.”

You can watch Bronson Reed’s JONAHDROME series on his official YouTube channel.

Free agent Bronson Reed doesn’t have high hopes for the NXT revamp.

Reed was one of the 12 NXT names released from WWE. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reported that in Reed’s case, Vince McMahon made the call to cut him because he felt he wasn’t main roster material.

WWE is in the midst of changing the look and feel of NXT. They are calling it “NXT 2.0” and the new era begins on Sept. 14. Bronson Reed took to his JONAHDROME podcast and said he isn’t a fan of what he’s heard about the revamp.

“I’m not the biggest fan of the direction that I have heard they are going in with not actively seeking Independent wrestlers, only because I am a journeyman wrestler. I have nothing against the great athletes there that they have signed and will sign. It’s nothing that they’ve done. It’s the business itself. Someone like me that has loved (wrestling) his whole life, of course, I want to end up at the pinnacle of the sport. For a long time, everyone has thought that WWE is the be-all, end-all, but I don’t think it is anymore. More and more talent are realizing that there are other places to go. Other places where my talent will be more utilized.”

It’s been said that NXT will be a Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard production going forward. That report came from Bryan Alvarez of Figure Four Weekly. With Samoa Joe having to vacate the NXT Championship due to injury, a fatal four-way will determine the new titleholder.

It appears we now know the true reason why WWE cut ties with Bronson Reed.

Reed was among the dozen names released from NXT earlier this month. The cut came as a surprise to many as Reed appeared primed for a main roster call-up. After all, he had been chosen to compete in a dark match before an episode of SmackDown.

As it turns out, that dark match ended up leading to his release. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio reports that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon passed on bringing Reed up to the main roster.

McMahon felt it was pointless to keep the former NXT North American Champion on the payroll if he was never going to make it to the big show (Raw and SmackDown). This same attitude was the primary justification for the other releases, as well.

Bronson Reed Reacts

Reed took to social media to give his reaction to being let go from WWE.

“I was very shocked, very upset. As you know this doesn’t just affect me but affects my wife as well as we are here in a foreign country. But my wife is a super positive person and she’s kept me positive as well.

“The love and support that I’ve received online is just incredible. I was trending on Twitter. That means a lot to me, it means a lot to me that a lot of you feel for me and will still continue to follow me no matter what.”

“I did want to thank NXT, I want to thank Hunter and Shawn for believing in me. I want to thank all the coaches; Terry Taylor, Scotty 2 Hotty, Normal Smiley, Steve Corino, those guys that I learned a lot from. And I want to thank all the boys backstage as well. It was a great locker room to be a part of.”

Reed has promised to bounce back. He’s already called for a match with AEW TNT Champion, Miro.

Former NXT star Bronson Reed (Jonah Rock) has called out AEW TNT Champion Miro.

Reed was a part of a slew of NXT roster cuts. The list included Reed, Bobby Fish, Mercedes Martinez, Leon Ruff, Tyler Rust, Jake Atlas, and others. For many, Reed was the most shocking name on that list. After all, he was called upon to work some dark matches before an episode of SmackDown and the belief was that he’d make his main roster debut soon.

Now that he is no longer a part of the WWE, Reed is turning his attention to other promotions. It’s quite clear that he has at least one man in mind to pick a fight with. Here’s the message Reed sent out on Twitter.

Fans on social

Miro has held the TNT Championship since May 12. He ended the 186-day reign of Darby Allin. On the debut episode of AEW Rampage, Miro will put the gold on the line against Fuego Del Sol.

Recently-released NXT stars have 30-day non-compete clauses, so Bronson Reed could show up in AEW within a matter of weeks.

Time will tell when Reed will be able to showcase his talents in another promotion.

Bronson Reed is one of over 50 wrestlers WWE has released in 2021. The former NXT North American Champion took to social media recently to comment on his departure from the company.

“I was very shocked, very upset,” Reed said. “As you know this doesn’t just affect me but affects my wife as well as we are here in a foreign country. But my wife is a super positive person and she’s kept my positive as well.”

“The love and support that I’ve received online is just incredible. I was trending on Twitter. That means a lot to me, it means a lot to me that a lot of you feel for me and will still continue to follow me no matter what.”

“I did want to thank NXT, I want to thank Hunter and Shawn for believing in me. I want to thank all the coaches; Terry Taylor, Scotty 2 Hotty, Normal Smiley, Steve Corino, those guys that I learned a lot from. And I want to thank all the boys backstage as well. It was a great locker room to be apart of.”

Reed continued to talk about what might be next for him in his career.

“I am staying positive and I do believe I am bar none the best super heavyweight in the world. And I will continue to prove that,” he continued. “As they say, one door closes and another one opens but for me, many doors are open and now it’s just about which one I want to walk through.”

WWE made even more releases this weekend, with 12 names being cut from the roster across the NXT and 205 Live shows. The biggest names to be released were Bronson Reed, Bobby Fish and Tyler Rust; all of which seemed to be locked in with the company going forward.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, WWE making these releases of talent is going to become a ‘regular occurrence going forward. A source noted to Fightful that “Vince McMahon can personally put a stop to any of these,” when it comes to the names being cut.

WWE Releases becoming regular

The same source claimed that WWE releases are going to be a regular occurrence moving forward. However, the source also personally expects that “2021 will be an outlier with both the frequency and the level of talent.”

The idea of ‘mass releases’ hadn’t been a topic of discussion or concern in WWE for nearly four years, since the summer of 2016 and the beginning of 2020 and the pandemic.

A number of former WWE Superstars have already made the move over to AEW following their releases. Interestingly, Vince McMahon himself even joked about making more cuts to help All Elite on a recent investor’s call, saying that he didn’t understand their investment structure.

Here is the full list of talent that was released from their WWE contracts on Friday:

• Bronson Reed
• Bobby Fish
• Mercedes Martinez
• Leon Ruff
• Tyler Rust
• Jake Atlas
• Ari Sterling
• Kona Reeves
• Zechariah Smith
• Asher Hale
• Giant Zanjeer 
• Stephon Smith

WWE has made more talent cuts and this time it hit the NXT brand hard. 

On Friday,  Fightful and PWInsider reported the following names that were released by the company: 

• Bronson Reed
• Bobby Fish
• Mercedes Martinez
• Leon Ruff
• Tyler Rust
• Jake Atlas
• Ari Sterling
• Kona Reeves
• Zechariah Smith
• Asher Hale
• Giant Zanjeer 
• Stephon Smith

This is the latest round of cuts. Because these are NXT stars, they will have 30-day non-compete clauses instead of the 90-day non-compete clauses that main roster talent are under. 

Several of these newer wrestlers such as Hale had just moved to Florida to start training at the WWE Performance Center: 

Reed is the biggest name from these cuts as he signed with WWE in 2019 and won the North American title earlier this year where he held it for a month. 

Reed reacted to the news by writing on Twitter, “Just got released by WWE. This monster is back on the loose … you don’t know WHAT you’ve just done.” He tagged AEW, Ring of Honor, Impact and New Japan in the tweet. 

Fish, a former NXT Tag Team Champion, found success with the Undisputed Era faction that included Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong. The group broke up earlier this year. In fact, Fish just lost a match to Strong on Tuesday’s NXT that was taped two weeks ago. 

In April, WWE cut Samoa Joe, Iiconics, Mickie James, Chelsea Green and others while in June, both main roster and NXT/205 Live talents were let go included Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Ruby Riott, Fandango, Lana, Tyler Breeze, Tony Nese and others.

Last Saturday, Bray Wyatt was released and Ric Flair got out of his contract earlier this week.

Former NXT North American Champion Bronson Reed seems to be one of the prospects WWE is eying for a move to main roster during the upcoming drafts.

The NXT star recently appeared on El Brunch de WWE where among other things, he also shared his thoughts on a potential move to Raw or SmackDown.

Reed was asked which brand he would like to join if the company does decide to bring him up. Replying to it, the former champion picked up the blue brand as his preferred destination:

“That’s a tough choice, I think both [RAW & SmackDown] have benefits but if I had to choose, if I had to leave the black and gold NXT, I’d probably say the blue brand. I would say Friday Night SmackDown.”

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Bronson Reed also discussed his experience of working WWE Main Event. He mentioned how he got to wrestle Drew Gulak during the bout and said that it was an opportunity to get more eyes on him:

“I feel great, I think it’s another opportunity to get more eyes on ‘The Colossal’ Bronson Reed. So I got to wrestle Drew Gulak and I hit my Tsunami Splash and beat him, one, two, three, so feeling very happy about it.”

Another NXT star WWE officials seem to be interested in bringing up is the NXT champion, Karrion Kross. You can check out the latest backstage news on potential future plans for both these names here.