Vince McMahon and Triple H granted WWE release to 38-year-old star upon his request; was told he's "always welcome to come back"
A former WWE Superstar has revealed that he requested his release from the Stamford-based promotion. Ricardo Rodriguez stated in a new interview that he asked for his release, and Vince McMahon and Triple H granted it in 2014.
Ricardo Rodriguez's run in World Wrestling Entertainment lasted about four years between 2010 and 2014. He's mostly remembered for his stint as Alberto Del Rio's personal ring announcer but also worked as a wrestler in the global wrestling giant.
In a new interview with Chris Van Vliet, Ricardo Rodriguez opened up about his exit in 2014. He recalled his conversation with then-Senior Director of Talent Relations in WWE Mark Carrano.
"I said, ‘Hey, I’m still at home. I’m not coming in.’ He asked, ‘Are you okay?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve tried talking to you a few times, and it’s just not going anywhere.’ At the time, I was 29, and I felt like I was still young enough to do other things. I just wanted to say thank you, but I think I’m done."
Carrano then spoke to McMahon and Triple H about Ricardo and they decided to grant him the release.
"He said, ‘Alright, stay home. Let me talk to Vince and Hunter, and I’ll call you back.’ I said, ‘Cool, no big deal.’ He called me back on Wednesday around 5 o’clock and said, ‘Hey, I just talked to Paul and Vince, and we’re going to grant you the release. You’re always welcome to come back, blah blah.’ I said, ‘Alright, thank you.'” [H/T RSN]
Ricardo Rodriguez's career following WWE exit
Ricardo Rodriguez went back to performing on the independent circuit after his WWE release was granted. He also worked for AEW as a Spanish commentator and appeared at a single taping.
Rodriguez still occasionally wrestles on the independent circuit. His last match took place on October 31, 2024, at the JCW Lunacy - Train Of Terror Tour: Hallowicked event. That night, he teamed up with Mecha Wolf in a losing effort against Matt Cross and Willie Mack.
