Karl Fredericks, known in WWE NXT as Eddy Thorpe, provided a blunt explanation for his departure from the company this past May, revealing that he requested his own release.
In a series of candid posts on social media Sunday, Fredericks addressed his exit and the reasoning behind it. When one user suggested he left because he “couldn’t cut it in the big leagues,” Fredericks refuted the claim, noting that WWE had consistently featured him in main events during his three-year tenure. The real reason, he stated, was a desire for more purpose.
“I asked for my release from WWE so I could do something f**king meaningful with my life,” Fredericks wrote on X.
Fredericks also highlighted a specific point of contention involving his activities outside the ring. He stated that the company prevented him from taking an unpaid opportunity to serve as a DJ during the WrestleMania 41 weekend in Las Vegas.
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“WWE wouldn’t let me DJ for free in Vegas mania weekend,” he explained. “While other talent got to make money on their outside ventures.”
When a fan speculated that the decision was financially motivated by WWE wanting a cut of talent earnings, Fredericks alleged a more personal motive was at play.
“Nah,” Fredericks replied. “Worse. Because they didn’t want ME doing sht.”*
Fredericks was officially released in early May 2025 as part of a group of NXT talent that also included Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and his real-life girlfriend, Dakota Kai. His recent comments stand in contrast to his more diplomatic initial statement following the release, where he thanked WWE and NXT. He has indicated that a more detailed interview about his departure will happen in the future.
READ MORE: Eddy Thorpe Thanks WWE Following Release, Reverts to Karl Fredericks Name
