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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

SHOW SUMMARY:Today we jump back 15 years to two back-to-back episodes of the PWTorch Livecast from Oct. 14 and 15, 2010.

On the Oct. 14, 2010 episode, PWTorch editor Wade Keller and columnist Pat McNeill, they take live calls for the full hour with topics including the Jim Cornette-Mark Madden rivalry, Bruce Prichard’s history, TNA’s lack of strict face/heel definitions, TNA’s Jersey Shore cross promotion, Gail Kim and Mickie James, Shocking Angles, and more. Plus in the VIP Aftershow, Keller and McNeill discuss the possible big changes WWE might initiate in the face of declining business.

On the Oct. 15, 2010 episode, PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell and PWTorch columnist Greg Parks includes discussion with live callers on last night’s TNA Impact, including an in-depth review of the key segments and overall show and why they didn’t work despite TNA’s best efforts, plus discussion of Impact viewership that came in before the Livecast, Matt Hardy’s release and why WWE finally released him, his future likely in TNA, the one missing element from Impact with brief focus on Kurt Angle’s retirement, a Jenna vs. Sharmell reference, why the “no wrestling” beginning to Impact wasn’t a bad concept, just bad execution, Cena vs. Nexus and what WWE could do with the angle going forward. Plus, more phone calls in the Bonus Livecast on Hardy’s heel turn and first heel promo, Dixie’s “smug s—” comment & Tweet, and in the VIP Aftershow, in-depth preview of Smackdown and an overview of the Bragging Rights line-up to this point and why it’s not worth ordering yet.

Then, in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they discussed Matt Hardy in TNA, Kevin Nash, and more.

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Infamous WWE star reflects on his recent release.

Known for his work on WWE LFG (Legends and Future Greats) Sexy ‘BJ Ray’ was recently released from his contract by the Stamford-based promotion. Not in the good books of the mentors on the show, Ray was also recovering from a serious injury when the promotion decided to part ways with him.

Soon after the news of his release became public, BJ Ray shared an update on X(Twitter) and reflected on his WWE journey and shared his gratitude to the promotion.

WHAT A JOURNEY ðŸŒ

Well obviously I had to have pissed somebody off lmao!

I would like to take this moment to address you guys as Brayden Jesse Ray. First and foremost, I have to give the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ, who had given me this opportunity. Secondly, I would like to thank Hunter, Shawn, & Matt Bloom (as well as all the
@WWE
coaches & staff) that were involved with this entire process. The WWE Performance Center is truly a unique place filled with many gifted individuals and unlimited support.

As soon as I stepped out of my uber at my WWE tryout, the SexyBJRay effect was in full play. I had a strategy upon filming WWE: NEXT GEN, to start building one of the most over exaggerated versions of myself, to give the wrestling industry a HEEL like theyâ€ve never seen before.

And quite frankly, it arguably was one of the greatest rookie runs of all time. In a matter of months, whether hate or love, I won the WWE fans over and they were extremely invested. Without ever having a debut match on live
@WWENXT
tv, I have become one of the most recognized names in the brand and industry. From getting swarmed at WWE World in Las Vegas to taking pictures with fans in every airport I walk into, I have been able to build a movement with my hard work and dedication.

The hours behind the scenes, editing social media content, training, and reflecting on my character work, I feel it has all paid off.

There have been many challenges along the way, but I can only control what I can only control. Obviously this release is a big bummer (especially when you have no idea what you could have done different), but the only option in my opinion is an attitude of gratitude.

All I can do is keep pushing, & put it in Godâ€s hands. Iâ€m healing strong and will continue to rehab my shoulder until Iâ€m 100%. And the biggest SHOUTOUT & THANKS to my fans who made it all worthwhile.

And now, Brayden Jesse Ray is back on sabbatical and SexyBJRay has a few words. As my good friend
@TheNotoriousMMA
once said, “Iâ€d like to take this chance to apologize to absolutely nobodyâ€. What youâ€ve seen was just the trailer… get ready for the whole movie ðŸ¿

and p.s. “Ayo you got Snapchat?!â€

With no confirmed in-ring appearances scheduled for BJ Ray, the youngster recently reached out to Tony Khan for a chance.

Released WWE Star BJ Ray Ray Reaches Out To Tony Khan For A Chance In AEW

Soon after his release and a successful surgery, ‘Sexy’ BJ Ray recently reached out to Tony Khan on X(Twitter) for a shot in AEW.

@TonyKhan Your boy is ready… call me – The Ratings Machine (aka SexyBJRay),â€

In other news: Andrade’s in-ring career in jeopardy.

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Along with former NXT North American Champion Wes Lee, Stevie Turner was the most notable of cuts made by WWE from “NXT,” “WWE LFG,” and the WWE ID program over the weekend. The 28 year old UK native had been with the promotion going back to the days of “WWE NXT UK,” and had recently been wrestling sparingly while serving as an authority figure on “NXT” and “WWE EVOLVE,” a fact that hadn’t gone unnoticed by Turner in one of her few statements following her release.

Today, however, Turner decided to be a bit more formal, taking to X in the afternoon to give her full thoughts on the release in a lengthy statement.

“I wanted to give it a few days to process my feelings and deliver a genuine message; I’m overwhelmed with love and I am so, so bloody proud of all I did as Stevie Turner,” Turner said. “From working in ‘NXT UK’ in my home of London, to leaving it all and flying across the world and achieving a life goal by moving to ‘NXT’ Orlando. I was 4D, a streamer, made history in the first ever TNA/’NXT’ matc and became the Prime Minister of Evolve. I loved every second of everything I did, and despite not having the simplest journey, I’m proud I always gave 100% to everything presented to me.

“I have no regrets, no loss of love – just a heart full of gratitude and wonder for the future. I’m excited to keep working on the feature film ‘Welcome to Paradise with Crucible Films and show what I can offer the world of voice acting/acting. And of course, I’m excited to lace my wrestling boots again. My one hope is that in all I’ve done, that I would have made my late tag partner Hana Kimura proud, because without her, I would have never had the confidence to push further for my dreams. See you all soon!”

I’ve left WWE and wanted to share some thoughts. The future is bright and of course I’m still in my Prime ðŸ’ðŸ¼â€â€ï¸ðŸ˜† thank you for reading!

Lucy x pic.twitter.com/4THmB5IL8h

— STEVIE TURNER (@StevieTurnerWWE) October 14, 2025

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Wes Lee has officially revealed his new post-WWE identity — and itâ€s actually a familiar one. Just days after being released from his WWE contract, the former NXT North American Champion has updated his Twitter bio to reflect a return to his old ring name: Dezmond Xavier.

Fans who followed his career before WWE will remember the name well. Lee used Dezmond Xavier throughout his time on the independent scene and in TNA Wrestling, where it was later shortened to Dez. After signing with WWE in 2021, he dropped the name and became Wes Lee — eventually capturing both singles and tag team gold in NXT.

His release came on Friday, October 10, during a wave of NXT cuts. While his last televised match was a loss to Jeâ€Von Evans on the July 29 episode of NXT, Lee did wrestle twice more at WWE live events before being quietly moved to the alumni section of WWEâ€s website.

Now 30 years old and entering a new phase of his wrestling career, Dezmond Xavier is clearly reclaiming his roots — and possibly signaling a return to the independent scene or another promotion. Adding fuel to the speculation, his former stablemates in The Rascalz recently revealed that their TNA contracts are coming up, creating even more possibilities.

Whether itâ€s a solo run or a Rascalz reunion, fans will be watching to see whatâ€s next for Dezmond Xavier.

Are you excited to see Dezmond Xavier back in action under his original name? Where do you think heâ€ll land next? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear your take.

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Summer Sorrell is opening up regarding her release from WWE.

The now ex-NXT talent wrote about her departure on social media on Monday, sharing that she had developed a passion for the business and loved what she was doing prior to her release on Friday.

“It is hard to find the right words to express what wrestling means to me. I have developed a passion and love for this business that is unlike anything I have felt before,†she wrote. “I have loved every second. From long, stressful days filming, to challenging days in the ring, to many hours of rehab. Not a moment went by where I didnâ€t feel like the luckiest girl in the world.â€

She also said she had an “ongoing injury†during her time with the company that kept her from being able to show what she could do in the ring.

“The reality is that I struggled with the same ongoing injury during a majority of my time at the performance center. This held me back from ever being able to show my true potential in the ring,†she said. “Knowing that I only got the opportunity to show you a small fraction of what I am capable of is what is hurting me the most.â€

It was announced on Friday that WWE had released multiple talents including Sorrell. She only started wrestling earlier this year, losing to Wendy Choo on an episode of WWE Evolve. She also competed on WWE LFG, with her last match airing on September 7 losing to Bayley Humphrey.

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By Ella Jay

Oct. 12, 2025 4:02 pm EST

Earlier this weekend, WWE released a number of talents from the “WWE NXT,” “WWE EVOLVE,” and WWE ID brands, including Jin Tala. Tala, real name Leigh Laurel, signed with WWE last year and later competed in season one of “WWE LFG,” which rewards the winners with “NXT” contracts.

Tala says she has long been a “jack of all trades” with multiple hobbies. Still, she admittedly couldn’t find her one true passion, until she signed with WWE that is. Tala expanded upon this sentiment in a departing statement posted to X.

“I found my passion, and I was all-in,” she wrote. “I wasn’t just fascinated by the physical aspects of pro wrestling, what hooked me was the psychology…the emotions that can be expressed by wrestlers & felt by the audience. So for those questioning my commitment, dedication…I can say with a hand on my heart that I didn’t falter. I knew I had weak points, so I put 110%, fed myself with knowledge from my coaches & main roster talent who came through the PC. And in the past month, I saw it & I think everyone saw it. I broke down some of those big walls I had failed to break during LFG.”

“My promos were showing range because I finally let go,” Tala continued. “My move set I recently developed in the ring showed aggression, everything the Legends were looking for. And I was able to showcase that in recent matches. And for me…that was a win.”

While uncertain of what exactly led to her being released from WWE, Tala remains proud of the progress she made in season one of “WWE LFG” as well as “WWE EVOLVE,” where she even vied for the EVOLVE Women’s Championship. Looking ahead, Tala plans to continue her professional wrestling journey as Leigh Laurel. Her next destination, wherever it may be, is currently unknown.

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Wes Lee is no longer part of WWE, and it didnâ€t take long for speculation to heat up about where heâ€s headed next. One of his longtime friends and former Rascalz stablemates mightâ€ve already revealed the answer—and fans of the trio are taking notice.

Shortly after news broke about Leeâ€s WWE release, TNA star Zachary Wentz jumped on social media and made a not-so-subtle pitch to reunite the squad. He posted a message that reignited talk of the Rascalz getting back together.

Thereâ€s always a seat in the Treehouse for you. 💚 #RSCL4Life

Lee previously reunited with Wentz and Trey Miguel on WWE NXT in 2024, but their time as a trio was short-lived. Wes Lee eventually turned on his old partners to continue his singles run, which many saw as a key move in establishing himself as a breakout star.

Now, the future is wide open. If Lee does head to TNA, a full-fledged Rascalz reunion could be on the table—though thereâ€s a catch. Both Wentz and Miguel are under contract with TNA until the end of 2025, so any long-term plans might depend on timing and creative direction.

Wes Leeâ€s next move will tell us everything. Will he rejoin his brothers and light up the Treehouse again, or forge a new path? Either way, the Rascalz connection clearly still runs deep.

Where and what would you like to see Wes Lee do next after his WWE exit? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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The list of WWE exits just got longer. Jamar Hampton has confirmed that heâ€s been released from his WWE contract and is officially stepping away from professional wrestling altogether.

Hampton took to social media on October 10 to share a farewell, revealing that while he never set out to become a wrestler, heâ€s grateful for the ride. In his words:

“Today I have officially been released from the WWE. I never wished to be a pro wrestler growing up, but Iâ€m grateful I got the opportunity to try! Iâ€ve always been a lowkey out the way type of person, but wrestling forced me to grow and step to the center of attention. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to keep going! belief in me kept me going when I didnâ€t believe in myself. This is the end of my wrestling career, Iâ€ll leave it to the professionals now! Wishing success for everyone at the PC! Love (P.S. My hip has healed & Iâ€m off crutches now)â€

Hampton signed with WWE in 2024 and was featured on WWE LFG as well as EVOLVE. He last competed in August before stepping away due to a hip injury, which he notes has since healed.

This latest departure adds to the growing list of WWE releases confirmed this week, including Lance Anoaâ€i, Drako Knox, Stevie Turner, and Zara Zakher. For Hampton, though, this exit marks not just the end of his WWE run, but his wrestling journey entirely.

Do you think Jamar Hamptonâ€s story might inspire others who enter wrestling from outside the traditional path? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was released last month after just three games with the Houston Texans, has landed a practice squad deal with the Baltimore Ravens, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Gardner-Johnson, who started all three of his games with Houston, had 15 tackles (11 solo) and a quarterback hit.

He previously signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the 2024 season. In his second stint with the team, Gardner-Johnson excelled with Philadelphia en route to helping the team to a Super Bowl win, leading the squad with six interceptions.

After the season, Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Texans for left guard Kenyon Green in what amounted to a cost-cutting move.

However, his time in town didn’t last long. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 provided more details.

Now Gardner-Johnson is on the practice squad of the Ravens, who have started 1-4 and allowed the most points in the league through five weeks (177).

The Ravens have dealt with a litany of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

Of note, two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the season with a neck injury. Three-time First Team All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton just missed his team’s 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans with a groin injury. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who led Baltimore with 12.5 sacks last season, missed a pair of games with a hamstring ailment. Two-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey suffered a groin injury in Week 4 and has been out since. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie missed last Sunday with a hamstring injury.

Needless to say, the Ravens need help, especially since the team is already missing superstar quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who is out with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 4. Simply put, without Jackson, the Ravens aren’t in position to win shootouts with the defense so short-handed.

So Gardner-Johnson, who is on the practice squad, could very well be on the active roster down the road with the team needing reinforcements.

In the meantime, the Ravens have another tough matchup on Sunday against the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at home.

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Andrade has hit the ground running following his WWE release, but his second run in WWE didnâ€t exactly end in the best way. With that in mind, Andrade has now addressed his WWE departure.

While speaking to TJ Sports, Andrade was asked how he felt about winning The Crash Heavyweight Championship as well as his WWE exit. Andrade explained that he had been chasing this championship for a long time, and everything that happened after leaving WWE felt like it had a purpose.

With more than 20 years in professional wrestling, he said that The Crash is a respected company both in Mexico and internationally. He had set a goal for himself that if he ever left WWE again, he would go after The Crash World Heavyweight Championship.

When the company gave him that chance, he was very grateful. Winning the title was an honor and marked his first championship victory since leaving WWE.

“How do I feel after leaving WWE? I had been chasing this championship for such a long time. Today, after leaving WWE, everything happens for a reason. Iâ€ve worked hard—almost over 20 years as a professional wrestler. Iâ€ve been in this business for more than 20 years.

I know that The Crash is a very respected company, both nationally and internationally, and I had set myself the goal that if one day I left WWE again, I would go after The Crash World Heavyweight Championship. The company gave me that opportunity, and Iâ€m very grateful. To win this championship from The Crash is an honor for me. Itâ€s my first championship since leaving WWE.â€

Now that he is part of AEW, Andrade said his next goal is to compete for the AEW Championship. He also mentioned that after leaving WWE, his first appearance was with The Crash in Tijuana, and he appreciated the opportunities the promotion gave him.

“And now that Iâ€m in AEW, Iâ€ll be going after the AEW championship too. As you said, when I left WWE, my first appearance was here in Tijuana. Iâ€m very thankful to The Crash for the opportunities theyâ€ve given me.â€

Andrade added that he has left most companies on good terms, including WWE. He advised other wrestlers not to speak badly about promotions, explaining that companies will always remain, but wrestlers come and go.

Injuries and time eventually take their toll, yet the business continues. He admitted that when he was younger, he sometimes spoke out, but over the years, he has learned to respect every company heâ€s worked with.

“Iâ€ve left most companies on good terms. I also left WWE well. I always tell other wrestlers—donâ€t speak badly about companies. Companies will always remain, but we wrestlers get injured, we pass away, and wrestling continues. Thatâ€s the advice I give: donâ€t badmouth promotions. When I was younger, I sometimes spoke out, but Iâ€ve always respected every company.â€

Andradeâ€s view on leaving WWE shows how much he has grown and how thankful he is. Winning the championship at The Crash Lucha Libre is a fresh start for him, and now that heâ€s back in AEW, weâ€ll have to see if heâ€ll see great success this time around.

What do you think about Andradeâ€s comments on his WWE exit and his advice to younger wrestlers? Do you see him becoming a future AEW World Champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

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