NXT Creative Team Was Blindsided By Malcolm Bivens Release

Malcolm Bivens was among the ten NXT talents let go by WWE last week. Bivens was in a current on-screen storyline as the manager of the Diamond Mine faction. Many fans wondered why he was fired even though that week’s episode featured him heavily.

There was a lot of speculation that some wires were crossed between NXT creative and the higher-ups at WWE. That does appear to be the case. NXT creative was blindsided when Malcolm Bivens was let go.

Dave Meltzer discussed the circumstances in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The NXT staff was actively working on developing the Malcolm Bivens storyline. They had no idea the release was coming.

“Bivens (Stokely Hathaway) was the manager of The Diamond Mine, the group of The Creed Brothers, Roderick Strong and [Ivy] Nile. They had just started an angle in the last two weeks where Strong was having tension with both Bivens and the Creeds. We’re told that obviously creative at NXT had no idea about this and were actually working on the continuation of the angle on the day they got the word he was cut.

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Bivens didn’t sign a recent contract offer from WWE, but his current deal also was said not to be up until 2023. He had been considered at one point for the main roster in the role of managing Omos, the role that went to MVP. But his departure was a major surprise.”

Malcolm Bivens is an incredible talent and will have no problem finding work with a major wrestling group. He had a great history with Ring of Honor as Stokely Hathaway. Tony Khan may already have him on speed dial.

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