Patrick Clark, better known as The Velveteen Dream in NXT, was released by WWE in 2021. For a time, it appeared as if he had all the makings of a top name in the company and his star was definitely on the rise in the developmental brand.
Unfortunately, his career was derailed by a series of controversies, including accusations of inappropriate contact with minors in 2020 and a 2022 arrest for misdemeanour battery and trespassing charges the year after he was released (which seemingly put an end to the notion of him wrestling for another company).
Clark has now kicked off 2024 with an apology video addressing his past misdeeds.
"I want to apologize for my behaviour, both professionally and personally. I take full accountability for my behaviour over the last three years of my life," he says in the video below. "When narratives were written about me, it doesn't matter, it didn't matter what was written about me, it didn't matter what was said about me, it doesn't matter what's on the internet about me. I was wrong."
Clark went on to apologise to WWE as an organisation for "any unwanted attention and negative press" and added, "I want to apologize to the WWE fans and The Velveteen Dream fans because when you hear the [Velveteen Dream] it should have only been spoken about in a productive and positive light."
He even singled out Triple H and Shawn Michaels, sharing his gratitude for the opportunities they gave him and saying sorry if they felt their time was wasted on him.
"No one should have to explain anything for Patrick Clark. No one should have to trend because of Patrick Clark. I don't want you to feel burdened with that responsibility, that's my responsibility," Clark continued. "I apologize to you all for any negative energy that has had to come your way because of me."
"I want to apologize to the fans and those in my professional and personal life that I've been affected by my behaviour. I'm sorry. I was losing myself. Anyone that I've upset or offended because of my behaviour. I'm sorry, and I hope you all forgive me."
It's unclear whether Clark hopes to make a pro wrestling comeback or whether he's simply looking to put his past behind him with this video. A WWE comeback seems unlikely, particularly as it wouldn't make much of an impact given that he was only ever a star in NXT and never on the main roster.