Last week, WWE released a number of main roster and NXT Superstars, including Matt Riddle, Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Elias, Emma, Quincy Elliott, and Alexis Gray.
Rick Boogs was among them, news which didn't exactly shock fans. He made his NXT debut in 2017 at a house show and was moved to SmackDown in 2021. As part of the main roster, he became Shinsuke Nakamura's hype man, playing the King of Strong Style's entrance theme as he made his way to the ring.
Unfortunately, just as things started looking up for him, Boogs suffered a knee injury at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. He finally returned this past January but has only been used sporadically (his last match was at SummerSlam's Battle Royal).
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, the former WWE Superstar briefly commented on the perceived reason for his firing.
"It's been an interesting time in my life with my job in WWE being terminated due to a backstage political power play," he said. "At least, that’s my opinion of it. But now is not the time to talk about that. I will get into detail about that when the time is right, but as far as right now, we’re going to do a gym tour."
Boogs later commented on the video to say, "I can say with 100% certainty, the removal of Vince [McMahon] killed my career." He'd add that "aside from my time with Vince, the character wasn't even given a chance," and said fans don't realise the "bull**** I've had to put up with."
He concluded by noting that he has "plenty to say once the time's right" and accused "one person" of having some sort of a "weird grudge" against him.
Boogs is clearly referencing Vince's departure from the company and, we'd assume, Triple H's ascension to head of WWE creative. It's possible The Game simply didn't see anything in Nakamura's former partner or that there were others backstage who didn't like him.
Either way, coming out and goofily playing the guitar likely entertained the elderly Chairman but there really isn't that much mileage in the gimmick (something which was evident when Boogs no longer had Nakamura by his side).
Needless to say, we wish Boogs the best with his future and it appears he's going to focus on other avenues instead of pro wrestling for the time being. You can check out his update in full below.