Why Rhyno Was Released From WWE In 2005, Explained
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Rhyno has had a fascinating professional wrestling career lasting almost three decades, especially regarding his multiple WWE runs. Someone who initially made a name for himself in Extreme Championship Wrestling, Rhyno arrived at WWE in early 2001 with the potential to have a successful run in that company. However, Rhyno only spent four years with WWE, as an incident occurred in early 2005 that got him released by the company.
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Rhyno's Legacy In Extreme Championship Wrestling
Since making his professional wrestling debut in 1995, it didn't take long for Rhyno to establish a name for himself in the business. After Rhyno joined Extreme Championship Wrestling in early 1999, Rhyno achieved a successful run during the two years he spent in that promotion. Being a two-time ECW World Television Champion and a one-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, as he was the last wrestler to hold the belt, Rhyno proved he could be an asset to any prominent wrestling promotion.
Rhyno had the look of a professional wrestler. He had an intense presence and delivered a devastating Gore maneuver, which was the appeal of this overall character. When fans cite the wrestlers who have the best-looking Spear, Rhyno's Gore is a favorite for many. During Rhyno's prime as an in-ring performer, almost every time he delivered the Gore unto his opponents, it looked like they got hit by a running vehicle.
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Rhyno Wrestles For WWE From 2001 To 2005
Soon after ECW closed its doors after having its final PPV in January 2001, Rhyno signed with WWE right before WrestleMania 17, the PPV that many argue marked the end of the Attitude Era. As he spent four years wrestling for WWE, Rhyno was not the most accomplished superstar but was involved in many memorable moments throughout his tenure in the company.
For instance, Rhyno took part in the infamous Invasion storyline by siding with the Alliance on behalf of Extreme Championship Wrestling. During that period, many remember his 2001 feud with Chris Jericho, resulting in one of the most infamous moments in SmackDown history, where Rhyno delivered a devastating Gore unto Chris Jericho through the stage. From 2001 to 2005, Rhyno won the WWE Hardcore Championship multiple times, wrestled for both Raw and SmackDown brands during the Ruthless Aggression Era, and had many alliances in Tag Team competitions.
Why Did Rhyno Get Released By WWE?
Although Rhyno was mostly a lower-card talent in his final days in WWE, a specific event at an after party for WrestleMania 21 was why he got released by WWE in 2005. It was reported by the Wrestling Observer that Rhyno and his soon-to-be ex-wife had an argument during the WrestleMania after party that caused a disturbance at a hotel. According to the Wrestling Observer, Rhyno even smashed a flower pot, causing him to get escorted out of the hotel.
To Rhyno's credit, he has stated his regret over the situation and has admitted to his faults, explaining he was going through a difficult time around WrestleMania. Considering the ugliness of the situation, especially considering that property also got destroyed, it could've tarnished Rhyno's image at the time.
RELATED: Rhyno Refutes Claims Of WWE Not Looking Out For Its WrestlersHowever, although Rhyno's full-time run in WWE ended in 2005, he got invited back to wrestle for WWE at the ECW One Night Stand 2005 PPV, getting defeated by fellow ECW alumni Sabu. Rhyno eventually continued his professional wrestling career elsewhere for the next decade, returning to WWE for a second run in 2015.
