WWE’s September releases affected numerous Superstars, and Rick Boogs’ name was on that list. While some released Superstars are already working elsewhere, Boogs doesn’t seem eager to get back in the squared circle.

Rick Boogs Doesn’t Plan On Wrestling Again

Recently, Rick Boogs opened up on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, as he shed light on his WWE tenure, the release, and his future endeavors.

Shinsuke Nakamura’s former guitarist stated that he has no plan to wrestle again. The option is out there for him, and he realizes that, but he seems to have interests elsewhere.

“No. When I first decided I was going to do wrestling, pursue it, I had to be all in on something. So like, I was doing strength and conditioning stuff, personal training. I was like, if I’m gonna commit to this other endeavor, I just quit my job. I have a wife and a daughter. I just got unemployed for the sake of you know, getting hungry that I really wanted to make it happen, which my wife was not happy about. She was like, ‘Why did you have to quit?’”

Rick Boogs’ Future After WWE

In terms of his post-release well-being, Rick Boogs expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming chapter in his life. He mentioned starting a YouTube channel, hinting at the varied directions he’s exploring in this new phase.

Rick Boogs has previously shared his perspective on Vince McMahon’s departure from his position, viewing it as a significant setback for his own career. Vince McMahon was booking him, but then Boogs didn’t get that same love when the Chairman of the Board left his creative position.

Despite this, Rick Boogs has multiple skill sets, including his guitar playing ability. He can also hype up just about any crowd you put him in front of.

Rick Boogs’ future in the ring remains uncertain, leaving room for speculation. You can never say never regarding a return to the ring, especially since so many pro wrestlers have retired only to come back time and time again.

In September, WWE released several talents, and that came as a big surprise. WWE fired over 100 people from their corporate headquarters, right after the TKO Group Holdings deal closed, and then they axed several members of their roster.

The NXT Superstars who were fired during that list of releases has already seen their non-compete clauses run out. NXT Superstars only have a 30-day wait, but main roster talent must wait even longer.

Although WWE released all of those Superstars at once, they saved Matt Riddle on his own the next day. He had a laundry list of infractions, personal drama, and other backstage controversies with WWE; so, he burned his last bridges and nobody could protect him from a release this time around. The Original Bro will be among those names that will enter the free agent market this week.

As of next week, around December 21st, those released WWE Superstars will be officially free agents. Their 90-day non-compete clauses are going to expire, leaving a lot of possibilities in the pro wrestling world. 

Those former WWE Superstars will officially become free agents, granting them the freedom to work with any organization. The list of wrestlers includes Mustafa Ali, Aliyah, Shelton Benjamin, Rick Boogs, Emma, Dana Brooke, Dabbo-Kato, Elias, Quincy Elliot, Mace, Mansoor, Riddick Moss, Matt Riddle, Shanky, Top Dolla, and Dolph Ziggler.

We previously reported that Dolph Ziggler already has a pro wrestling gig announced. Odds are, his schedule will be as busy as he wants it to be. 

AEW is also always a part of the conversation whenever non-compete clauses start to expire. It stands to reason that Bryan Danielson would pull to have Tony Khan sign Mustafa Ali, someone he also pulled to work with during his final run in WWE.

We will have to see where all of those former WWE Superstars appear next. It could result in some big headlines in the not too distant future.

On tonight’s RAW, The Miz was whining about how he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble match and not getting a shot at the United States championship at Elimination Chamber.

Adam Pearce announced the newest member of the RAW roster: Rick Boogs. He wrestled Miz, who was wearing a $10,000 double-breasted suit his wife bought him.

Rick Boogs’ Return

At WrestleMania 38 during a match for the SmackDown tag team titles, Rick Boogs injured himself. He attempted to put both Usos on his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. Unfortunately, he tore his quadriceps.

• Reigns vs. Rhodes, Flair vs. Ripley Set for WWE WrestleMania 39

Just weeks before WrestleMania 39, Boogs made his return to face The Miz. He easily beat the former champion in a matter of minutes.

It looks like Rick Boogs underwent successful surgery on his torn quad, per a recent report from PWInsider. The report notes that the operation took place earlier this week in Birmingham, Alabama. Boogs is expected to return home this weekend to begin his rehabilitation process.

There’s no official timescale on how long Boogs will be on the sidelines, however, the expectation is anywhere from six to 12 months. Boogs suffered the unfortunate injury as part of the opening matchup of WrestleMania 38 this past weekend in Dallas Texas. He and partner Shinsuke Nakamura challenged The Usos for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships.

Although the opening minutes of the contest were fairly back-and-forth, the tables turned when Boogs attempted to lift both Usos up on his shoulders, until his leg gave out from under him. After hitting the mat and tagging Nakamura back in, The Usos would take out and pin Nakamura to retain their titles. After the match, Boogs needed to be assisted backstage, as he couldn’t walk under his own power.

While Rick Boogs has yet to comment on the early reports of his surgery, he did take to Instagram earlier this week to address the injury, seemingly in good spirits. Here’s what he had to say:

“From the highest of highs to lowest of lows. Having my beautiful wife with me to experience my first Wrestlemania. Getting the incredible opportunity to open the show! Being able to demonstrate brute strength in front of millions of viewers! Unfortunately, the doctor told me my quad was too strong for the tendon and it was flexing so hard, it ripped the tendon totally off the bone. I’m still incredibly grateful for the experience and for all the love and support. History proves I will come back bigger, better, and stronger. IT’S A MINDSET.”

• Rick Boogs Injury Update: Ahead of Schedule a Month After Surgery

Things didn’t go according to plan for Rick Boogs at WrestleMania 38 this past weekend in Dallas, Texas. Boogs teamed up with Shinsuke Nakamura in the opener of Night One of “The Show Of Shows,” challenging The Usos for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Championships.

After a back-and-forth opening few minutes, Boogs began a spot where he would show off his strength by lifting both the Usos on his shoulders. However, his knee buckled and Boogs hit the mat in a significant amount of pain. Following some quick on-the-fly changes, Nakamura would take the pin from The Usos the end the match. Boogs was helped backstage as he couldn’t walk under his own power.

The result was a torn quad for Boogs, who will need to undergo surgery to repair the injury. He recently took to Instagram to reflect on the situation. Boogs confirmed tearing his quad completely off his tendon, but noted he plans to come back bigger, better, and stronger. Check out his full statement below.

“From the highest of highs to lowest of lows. Having my beautiful wife with me to experience my first Wrestlemania. Getting the incredible opportunity to open the show! Being able to demonstrate brute strength in front of millions of viewers! Unfortunately, the doctor told me my quad was too strong for the tendon and it was flexing so hard, it ripped the tendon totally off the bone. I’m still incredibly grateful for the experience and for all the love and support. History proves I will come back bigger, better, and stronger. IT’S A MINDSET.”

• Rick Boogs Injury Update: Ahead of Schedule a Month After Surgery

Rick Boogs didn’t leave WrestleMania 38 unscathed.

Boogs took part in the opener, teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura. The two challenged The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles. At one point in the match, Boogs attempted a double fireman’s carry but his knee gave out.

The Usos ended up winning the match.

The early word was that Boogs suffered a quad tear. WWE later confirmed it during the WrestleMania broadcast.

SEScoops will keep you posted on the status of Rick Boogs.

Rick Boogs Injury Update: Ahead of Schedule a Month After Surgery

Rick Boogs admits that Shinsuke Nakamura has meant a lot to him throughout his main roster run.

On the May 21 episode of SmackDown, Boogs made his main roster debut, aligning with Nakamura. Ever since, Boogs has been accompanying Shinsuke down to the ring, playing his theme song with an electric guitar.

The pairing has garnered praise from many fans and has given color commentator Pat McAfee a reason to get on top of the announce table.

Rick Boogs Praises ‘Mentor’ Shinsuke Nakamura

Rick Boogs was recently interviewed by Kenny McIntosh of Inside The Ropes and said that Nakamura is a father figure to him.

“Now, me and Shin are just crushing it and he’s like a father figure, he’s like a mentor to me. He’s helped me out, he’s given me guidance and everything.

“He’s telling me, ‘Hey, maybe play some air drums here, play a little powerslide guitar here.’ It’s great, listen like I said this is directly from a novel.

“You got your trials and tribulations, you got your highs, you got your lows. You got your starting out, learn really fast but then blowing your knee out. Then you’re debuting on NXT but then nothing’s happening.

“Then you got Old Spice and it’s great and then nothing’s happening, and then all of a sudden you’re thrown on SmackDown.”

Boogs is grateful that things have turned out well for him and he says he wouldn’t change anything about the process if given a chance.

“Oh, it’s great. I’m sure everyone was like, ‘Oh Rick Boogs being with Nakamura? Let’s see how that plays out,’ but it’s amazing. Like I said, looking back I don’t think I would’ve changed anything. I don’t think it could’ve worked out any better.”

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