Former WWE Star Reacts to Backstage Situation That May Have Led to Release

Newsweek

07-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Riley Osborne, a talent recently released from WWE NXT, has addressed reports suggesting his unwillingness to work for the company's EVOLVE brand contributed to his departure. Osborne was one of seventeen performers let go by WWE during a recent round of roster cuts.
Following his release, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer indicated that "non-wrestling things" played a role in WWE's decision. Bryan Alvarez, also from the Wrestling Observer, subsequently reported he had been told, "One of the big things was, there are people that they want to go and help out Evolve. And I was told he [Osborne] did not want to go to Evolve, and he made it very well known."
In a direct response shared on social media under the heading "Incorrect," Osborne vehemently denied these assertions. He detailed his commitment by stating he participated in the initial EVOLVE tapings immediately after his wife, fellow wrestler Blair Davenport, had been released by WWE in February.
Osborne explained that despite being offered time off by the head coach to deal with the personal upheaval, which included having to withdraw from a house purchase, he chose to work. "I was the first person in that building the next day and was commended on my professionalism," Osborne wrote in his statement.
He further defended his dedication, adding, "I will not have my work ethic questioned when I was busting my ass off in rehab to return which I knew the return would have been on Evolve. Not everything you read online is true."
Seth Rollins address the WWE Universe during Monday Night RAW at Intrust Bank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas
Seth Rollins address the WWE Universe during Monday Night RAW at Intrust Bank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Wichita,It's important to note that Osborne was recovering from surgery he underwent in March and was not medically cleared to compete at the time of his release.
Not pointing fingers just clearing things up. 👍 https://t.co/FGiN601Jp8 pic.twitter.com/d6bDaNXUiX — Josh Terry (@Turbo_JoshTerry) May 6, 2025
Osborne first appeared for WWE on 205 Live in 2018 and later competed on the NXT UK brand. He officially signed with WWE and transitioned to the main NXT brand in the fall of 2023, adopting the Riley Osborne ring name.
During his tenure in NXT, Osborne gained notable popularity as a key member of the fan-favorite Chase U faction, alongside Andre Chase, Duke Hudson, and Thea Hail. His athletic abilities were showcased prominently during the 2023 NXT Men's Breakout Tournament, where he advanced to the finals before being defeated by Oba Femi at NXT New Year's Evil in January 2024.
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In early 2025, prior to his injury, Osborne had begun making appearances at WWE's EVOLVE brand tapings. He wrestled a couple of matches for EVOLVE in February before suffering an ankle/foot injury that required surgery on March 7, 2025, sidelining him until his release.
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