WWE Told Bodhi Hayward He Wasn't Maximising His Potential In Release Phone Call

WWE didn't think Bodhi Hayward was maximising his potential in the company.

Hayward had only been a part of WWE since August 2021, making his debut on NXT earlier this year before he joined Andre Chase in Chase U. He was let go by WWE this week, though, along with four other developmental talents.

Hayward reflected on being let go with PWMania and the former NXT talent revealed WWE told him he wasn't maximising his potential on his release phone call.

"When I came in, there were talks that there would be an evolution. It was meant to evolve as I evolved. As we got more people, I always felt like I would be taken care of as well. I got injured but got cleared and felt safe and thought they wanted to protect me. Every opportunity I thought was passed over wrestling-wise, we were on television entertainment-wise. I thought the wrestling opportunities were coming. Maybe I wasn't there wrestling-wise for television, but that's just how TV is. That's the part I was really confused about," Hayward said.

"It was a 45-second phone call to let me know I wasn't maximising my potential and let go. I thought that there would have been me graduating from Chase U, maybe having issues with Mr. Chase, and turmoil starting. Maybe Duke would have been a match for me as well, to show that I can wrestle with a good opportunity. I felt that the Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes vs. Me and Mr. Chase match was great. When I did wrestle, I felt like it was good. With the reaction we were getting, I didn't think I had to go to the top rope to do a moonsault. But if that's what I have to prove, so be it." 

Hayward later added that he was "shocked" by his release.

"My first initial thought was, I was in shock. It was 100% out of the left field. I was upset too. I felt the relationships I had there that were being built were good. I was shocked, and it was a big blow to my confidence. I was thinking Chase U main roster, but I was shocked and hurt. It showed me that there is a lot more to this business that maybe I do have to learn about. In some way shape or form, you are always in control. I look at this as a great opportunity. I feel that I'm made for this. Physically, and mentally. The one thing I always wanted was to cut an in-ring promo. I love being in front of crowds. I never feel more comfortable than being in front of them. That's what will make me successful in this business. I love the Brodies and they're loving me back. I want to love everyone for who they are as well."