This episode of The Accidental Wrestling Fan might not be quite as topical as it could’ve been two weeks ago, let alone a week ago (so long, Cody and Brandi).  Sean and I discussed the release of several WWE performers (Sean refers to it as “Black Friday”).   I don’t think anyone was shocked to see Cameron or Alex Riley get released.  Cameron seemed like she was never going to improve, even with an NXT stint.  Alex Riley improved his looks and cut some of the best promos in NXT, but he still wrestled like he was in the midst of his FCW title reign in the late 2000s.

However, a performer like Damien Sandow getting released was a bit of a letdown.  It’s a shame to see talent like Sandow get released because he is the kind of talent that should be around for years to come.  He has proven in stints in Puerto Rico and his return to Smackdown that he can get under the skin of fans.  His turn as The Miz’s stunt double proved that he could illicit an emotional connection with the fans.  “We Want Sandow” chants were a common occurrence on WWE TV, noticeably around Wrestlemania 31.  For whatever reason, WWE never capitalized on this crowd reaction and had him lose almost every match to The Miz and had him summarily thrown aside, both literally and figuratively, like trash in the Andre The Giant battle royal by The Big Show.  These types of things can get frustrating until you realize that this could lead Sandow to bigger and better things.  Drew Galloway says, “hi.”

With that being said, I hope you enjoy this dated, but informal conversation with Sean and I about Black Friday. –Damon