Javier Bernal reveals details about WWE release, reflecting on the uncertainty he faced before being let go from the company. In a conversation with Shawn Talks Wrestling, Bernal recounted how his sense of security quickly changed, providing insight into the backstage dynamics at WWE and his personal experience surrounding his departure.
Javier Bernal Describes Uncertainty Before His Release
Former WWE performer Javier Bernal shared his perspective on the environment within WWE, emphasizing the underlying unpredictability that comes with such a position. He noted,
When you work in a place like WWE — or any place like that, it’s not a WWE thing — there’s always a level of uncertainty. And there’s always a level of — I had always thought that in the back of my head constantly, it could happen any day, I’m always expecting that 203 phone call.
—Javier Bernal, Former WWE wrestler
This statement highlights the tense and uneasy feelings many talent experience, showing that the concern of sudden releases is often in the background, even without specific warning signs.
Conflicting Signs and the Sudden Notice
Bernal offered further context on the days leading up to his departure. He explained some factors that initially made him feel his position was secure, such as updates to marketing materials and planned meetings with WWE’s office staff. He said,
As far as hints or anything, not to get too specific, but two weeks prior to that, I had gotten on the WWE website and they had changed my render to the current gimmick that I was doing. I spoke with someone in the office and they were like — we were talking about something else, they had brought up the topic of releases and they had mentioned to me, ‘No, I haven’t seen a list yet and I would doubt that you’re on it.’ You know like, they were kind of mentioning giving me this sense of security and then I had a creative meeting scheduled for the Monday after that Friday. So, to me, I had, I don’t know if confirmation, but I had a little sense of security like, okay, we’re going to talk and all that. The only hint that I kind of had was that we had our Evolve tapings and I was — they told me kind of the direction of where things were supposed to go and all that. I wasn’t on that set of tapings, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s really confusing’ and I kind of asked around and no one seemed to know anything. So I was like, that’s curious, that’s weird. Then I got released the next week or two.
—Javier Bernal, Former WWE wrestler
Despite these reassurances—like a scheduled creative meeting and comments from office staff—Bernal soon received news of his release. His not being included in recent filming sessions for Evolve raised some doubts, but he emphasized that no one around him seemed to be aware of impending changes.
The Broader Impact on Wrestling Talent
The story shared by Javier Bernal reveals the uneasy reality faced by many in professional wrestling and organizations like WWE. Even when performers receive signals that offer some sense of security, changes can occur abruptly without clear warning or a chance to prepare. This recounting points to the ongoing uncertainty that affects not just Bernal but likely many others, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of wrestling careers and the personal toll such instability can bring. As more stories like Bernal’s emerge, they may foster greater discussion on how professional wrestlers are managed and supported during periods of transition and unforeseen change.
