Brian Kendrick has been pulled from the February 2 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Kendrick was scheduled to make his AEW debut against Jon Moxley this week on AEW Dynamite, as the company announced on February 1. The same day, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Kendrick had received his previously requested release from WWE, which he requested several weeks ago. He had been working as a producer on WWE NXT and 205 Live.
But just over an hour before the show was set to go live, AEW President Tony Khan announced that Kendrick has been pulled from the card. He also announced that AEW plans to gather more information about the situation.
The tweet is as follows:
We’ve been made aware of abhorrent & offensive comments made in the past by Brian Kendrick. There’s no room in AEW for the views expressed by Brian. We think it’s best for all that Brian be pulled from tonight’s card as we gather more info. We’ll announce a replacement bout ASAP.
We’ve been made aware of abhorrent & offensive comments made in the past by Brian Kendrick. There’s no room in AEW for the views expressed by Brian. We think it’s best for all that Brian be pulled from tonight’s card as we gather more info. We’ll announce a replacement bout ASAP.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 2, 2022
Kendrick came under fire for footage in which he discusses antisemitic conspiracy theories and makes other controversial comments about the Holocaust, September 11, and the Sandy Hook school shooting, some of which can be seen here.
I knew Brian Kendrick was into conspiracy theory nonsense, but until it got brought up last night, I had no idea that, at least as of late 2013, he had drifted all the way into Holocaust denial?!?!? https://t.co/0RfitLn5yF pic.twitter.com/jq1YPsNbXG
— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) February 2, 2022
Update: AEW subsequently announced that Moxley will face Wheeler Yuta instead of Kendrick.
Kendrick commented on the situation in two tweets on February 1; he apologized and stated that the beliefs were not his, and they never were. He also wrote that he crossed the line.
The tweets are as follows:
I apologize for all the hurt and embarassment I have caused with my words. These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line.
I spread the most vile comments without thinking of the damage it would cause. I will live with this regret for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
I apologize for all the hurt and embarassment I have caused with my words. These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line.
— Brian Kendrick (@mrbriankendrick) February 3, 2022
I spread the most vile comments without thinking of the damage it would cause. I will live with this regret for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.
— Brian Kendrick (@mrbriankendrick) February 3, 2022
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
RELATED: Report: Brian Kendrick No Longer Under Contract With WWE
