As WWE continues its upward trajectory in what is being hailed as one of its best years, marked by the success of WrestleMania XL and major international events, the company has begun implementing roster cuts. Among the recent revelations is the unexpected release of Cameron Grimes, shedding light on the backstage dynamics within the wrestling powerhouse.
Grimes’ departure from WWE was confirmed on Tuesday, making him the sole release for the week. Despite the company parting ways with six wrestlers in the preceding week, Grimes’ exit came as a surprise to many within the industry. Signed by WWE in January 2019, Grimes himself announced his release in an emotionally charged video.
According to insider reports from Fightful Select, Grimes, also known as the Carolina Caveman, was highly regarded within the company, and his release caught many off guard for various reasons. Despite his talent and track record, his departure was attributed to factors unrelated to his performance compared to other talents released concurrently.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Grimes’ release was his recent presence on SmackDown, where he had been a regular fixture despite not always being featured in matches. Notably, he faced off against Bron Breakker and participated in several dark matches and specialty bouts, showcasing his versatility and commitment to WWE’s programming.
Despite his relatively brief tenure with WWE, spanning just over five years, Grimes had made significant strides, particularly during his time in NXT, where he garnered a loyal fanbase. Trained by The Hardys, his pedigree and potential were evident to those who knew him best.
Looking ahead, Grimes, now reverting to his real name Trevor Lee, is poised to go on a busy post-WWE career. With his non-compete clause set to expire in July, speculation abounds regarding his next destination, with fans eagerly anticipating his potential move to promotions like AEW or TNA, where he could continue to thrive in the ring.
Fueled by his success in the indies and previous championship accolades, Grimes’ future outside WWE appears promising, with several top indie companies expressing interest in booking the seasoned grappler. As he ventures into the next chapter of his wrestling journey, the wrestling world awaits Trevor Lee’s next move with eager anticipation.