In a shocking move that sent the wrestling world into an uproar, longtime WWE performer Damien Sandow was released from the company last Friday. In addition to Sandow, WWE wished seven other performers well in their future endeavors.
It was an unceremonious conclusion to a career that left the WWE Universe wanting more. Sandow had several less successful stints with WWE earlier in his career, but after re-debuting in 2012, he seemed to find a niche for himself.
During his four-year run from 2012-16, Sandow was one-time WWE Tag Team champion (with The Miz), Money in the Bank contract winner (2013), and two-time Slammy award winner. However, after his run as The Miz’s stunt double drew to a close, Sandow floundered on the main roster for the past year.
When his departure was made official, fans took to various forms of social media, getting #ThankYouSandow trending for several hours.
Now, the page turns to Sandow’s future as “The Intellectual Savior of the Masses” looks to educate smaller-scale wrestling circuits of the talent WWE may have overlooked. The 34-year-old veteran’s first announced booking was for a joint show between Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling and WrestlePro.
Making his WrestlePro debut on June 11th, @TheDamienSandow ! You’re welcome! pic.twitter.com/AczkmqgAhQ
— WrestlePro (@WeAreWrestlePro) May 10, 2016
Following that announcement, Sandow’s upcoming schedule quickly filled up. While his schedule for the remainder of June is unknown, he will have a busy week in early August. RDP and MZ Promotions announced Sandow’s schedule from August 5-7, which includes several signings and in-ring appearances.
- Friday, August 5: Woodbridge Bowling Alley Sponsored by Culture Pop Productions in Woodbridge. NJ [7-9 p.m.]
- Saturday, August 6: Signing at Frankie’s East Side Gourmet in Long Island, NY [12-2 p.m.]
- Signing at the Wrestling Universe in Queens, NY [3-5 p.m.]
- Warriors Of Wrestling in Staten Island, NY [7 p.m.]
- Sunday, August 7: Signing at Pro Wrestling World in Allentown, PA [12-2 p.m.]
- Appearance at Tier 1 Wrestling in Brooklyn, NY [5 p.m.]
“The fans can expect to see Damien Sandow given the floor to contribute to Tier 1 in any way that he sees fit,” Tier 1 Wrestling management said in a statement. “His presence will not only be a treat for the fans in attendance but also for the talent in the locker room who will undoubtedly benefit from his wealth of knowledge.
Sandow has so many years of experience that he’s bringing to Tier 1. We’re honored to have him, so our hands are up. We’re going to allow him to do or say whatever is it that he wants.”
After that string of appearance over a three-day weekend, Sandow does not have any scheduled commitments for the rest of August and all of September. In fact, his next scheduled appearance does not come until late October at Heroes & Legends VII in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 22. Sandow is scheduled to face Dru Skillz for the promotion’s heavyweight championship.
Sandow is no stranger to being released from WWE and returning to the indies. When the WWE terminated his contract in 2007, Sandow worked for several independent promotions, including NWA, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico. He found much success during that time, capturing the WWC Heavyweight championship on one occasion before re-signing with WWE in 2010.
Pro Wrestling Insider reported on Wednesday that WWE had released Sandow, not because of anything he did, but due to a change in direction. The company is looking to “freshen up the roster,” and releasing Sandow was a part of the move. It’s believed that Sandow has an open door to return in the future.
[Featured Image via WWE]