Cain Velasquez released by WWE due to coronavirus pandemic
Cain Velasquez didn’t last long in the WWE.
In the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, it was reported that Velasquez was released by the WWE due to budget cuts during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It was added that Velasquez was to “a giant deal” when he made his WWE debut in October.
The former UFC heavyweight champion made his pro wrestling debut in August 2019 for the AAA promotion and made a great impression on the fans. The WWE noticed Velasquez’s talents and signed him the multi-year deal.
Velasquez, 37, announced his retirement from the UFC upon signing with the WWE.
The WWE used Velasquez to play on a real life story line involving WWE superstar Brock Lesnar. In 2010, Velasquez defeated Lesnar at UFC 121 by a first-round TKO. In their WWE match it was Lesnar who got his hand raised by defeating Velasquez in 88 seconds.
If Velasquez would like to fight in the UFC again, he would have to reenter the USADA testing pool. There have been no reports on what Velasquez’s future plans are now that he has been released from the WWE.
The last time Cain Velasquez fought in the UFC was in February 2019 and he was knockout by Francis Ngannou in 26 seconds. Prior to that, Velasquez was mainly sidelined with injures and was highly inactive since 2015. His last win came against Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016.
