Kassius Ohno released

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>From PWInsider:

WWE released NXT star Kassius Ohno, aka Chris Hero, who has worked in main event level positions for Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling NOAH, CHIKARA, IWA Mid-South and CZW, among other promotions all over the world, PWInsider.com has confirmed.



According to multiple sources, Ohno was released by WWE officials while waiting to begin training Friday morning at the Performance Center.



Ohno had just returned to WWE NXT after being held off of TV for some time. What will turn out to be his final appearance, a loss to The Wyatt Family's Luke Harper, aired this past Wednesday on NXT. He had been signed to WWE developmental in 2012.



Ohno, a Dayton, Ohio native, broke into the business in 1998 and was trained by a slew of excellent trainers, including Les Thatcher and Dory Funk Jr.



Similar to the career path that Daniel Bryan took, he traveled the world, most notable Germany, England and Australia, learning all sorts of different styles and adding them to his in-ring repertoire. I've always likened him to a young Barry Windham because of his tall frame and working ability.



Like a lot of other independent stars of the early 2000s, Hero made his name with a lot of travel, not just internationally but all over the United States, driving with a crew that included Antonio Cesaro (then Claudio Castagnoli) and the late Larry Sweeney, among others, and worked pretty much everywhere. He clicked in just about every major independent promotion of the era.



Hero originally built his name in Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South, where he ended up having a great feud with CM Punk (as recounted on Punk's Best in the World DVD documentary) as well as a long run in CHIKARA, where he was a top name there as well as one half of the Kings of Wrestling tag team with Cesaro.



He soon made his way to CZW, where he worked as a top heel there and began working regularly for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in California as well.



The one promotion Hero wasn't getting booked for was Ring of Honor, which was considered the top independent promotion in the landscape, so when he showed up as a mystery opponent representing CZW against then-ROH champion Bryan Danielson (aka Daniel Bryan), it was a huge, legitimate shock for that audience and helped kick off a CZW vs. ROH feud that drew great numbers for ROH as well as an audience that was as legitimately split down the middle as a New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game.



Hero morphed into a regular member of the ROH roster, capturing their Tag belts with Cesaro, who he held a number of other tag straps with. He began training and wrestling for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and did well there, including having the mate Mitsuharu Misawa "gift him" the roaring elbow, which Hero used even in WWE as a finish.



When Hero was signed in 2012, it seemed like just a matter of time before he joined Punk, Bryan and others on the main roster, but for some reason - whether it be politics or mistakes made, he never made it to the main roster. I don't even believe he was sent on the road for dark matches, which boggled my mind. His work in the ring was good. He had obviously, based on his last TV appearances, worked on his physique. He had a decent speaking ability and his charisma always sort of reminded me a quiet version of a young Mick Foley. As a heel, he portrayed a great d***. He knew all sorts of different styles and honestly, should have been training the talents he was instead training with in the Performance Center. All the elements were there, except, apparently, WWE didn't see it, so he begins a new chapter in his career, returning to the independents.


Note from Mike: This release will go down, to me, as one of those moments in history where you wonder what the hell went wrong, and how WWE couldn't see the potential in someone just about every independent promotion in the world will be scrambling to book once they read this. This is absolutely going to be a case where this, long term, will be WWE's loss.</font>

[Theo Dious]

Good. Sick of hearing about his stupid name having ass.

[VSG]

What the fuck

[Corporate CockSnogger]

He's the one who didn't want to put the effort in to get in shape, right? Not surprising.

[Bad News Gertner]

Nobody to blame but himself. I get he's a great worker but the WWE is a totally different ballgame. Being a "good worker" makes you a dime a dozen today. He didn't stand out and his look was awful.

[Nark Order]

Yeah. I guess. Sure seems like they pick and choose who this "you need to be in shape" rule applies to though.

[whiteyford]

He looked like he was on NXT though, not ripped but definitely an improved look.

[Bad News Gertner]

Yeah. I guess. Sure seems like they pick and choose who this "you need to be in shape" rule applies to though.

It's completely different if you're a "big guy" like Big Show and Kane.

[Cool King]

<font color=goldenrod>From PWInsider:Ohno, a Dayton, Ohio native, broke into the business in 1998 and was trained by a slew of excellent trainers, including Les Thatcher and Dory Funk Jr.



Similar to the career path that Daniel Bryan took, he traveled the world, most notable Germany, England and Australia, learning all sorts of different styles and adding them to his in-ring repertoire. I've always likened him to a young Barry Windham because of his tall frame and working ability.



Like a lot of other independent stars of the early 2000s, Hero made his name with a lot of travel, not just internationally but all over the United States, driving with a crew that included Antonio Cesaro (then Claudio Castagnoli) and the late Larry Sweeney, among others, and worked pretty much everywhere. He clicked in just about every major independent promotion of the era.



Hero originally built his name in Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South, where he ended up having a great feud with CM Punk (as recounted on Punk's Best in the World DVD documentary) as well as a long run in CHIKARA, where he was a top name there as well as one half of the Kings of Wrestling tag team with Cesaro.



He soon made his way to CZW, where he worked as a top heel there and began working regularly for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in California as well.



The one promotion Hero wasn't getting booked for was Ring of Honor, which was considered the top independent promotion in the landscape, so when he showed up as a mystery opponent representing CZW against then-ROH champion Bryan Danielson (aka Daniel Bryan), it was a huge, legitimate shock for that audience and helped kick off a CZW vs. ROH feud that drew great numbers for ROH as well as an audience that was as legitimately split down the middle as a New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys game.



Hero morphed into a regular member of the ROH roster, capturing their Tag belts with Cesaro, who he held a number of other tag straps with. He began training and wrestling for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan and did well there, including having the mate Mitsuharu Misawa "gift him" the roaring elbow, which Hero used even in WWE as a finish.</font>

Reading that, it sounds like he died.

[Lock Jaw]

Just his career!

[Rollermacka]

Yeah. I guess. Sure seems like they pick and choose who this "you need to be in shape" rule applies to though.

Hmm, have they asked other guys to get in shape and they didn't? I somewhat remember one of the reasons they didn't renew Big Show's contract in 2007 was because they told him to step it up both physically and in the ring and he didn't?

[Lock Jaw]

They should obviously hire Rollermacka to fill the empty spot, he gets hardcore in the gym.

[Rollermacka]

They should obviously hire Rollermacka to fill the empty spot, he gets hardcore in the gym.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nShT3GIgRGw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

They totally should, here's a recent match of mine from last weekend. I have been bulking up, my hardcoreness has been paying off

[Bad News Gertner]

Even Brodeus Clay lost some weight. Look at him on NXT and look at him now.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

good match Macka, best one you've posted. Muchos improved

[Vastardikai]

Yeah. I guess. Sure seems like they pick and choose who this "you need to be in shape" rule applies to though.

It's one thing to be in WWE proper and they want you to be in shape and you have issues.

It's a whole different ballgame when you are in developmental and they want you to be in shape and you have issues. And let's not kid ourselves: NXT is developmental.

He should look at it like this: At least they aren't making him an effeminate gay guy because of his weight, like they did with Adrian Adonis.

[Emperor Smeat]

Not surprised.

Was stupid to waste his great chance at being promoted and then took too long to get back into WWE shape to the point the WWE was no longer interested in calling him up immediately.

[James Steele]

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/883/vlcsnap2011112901h28m05.png

[Curtis]

http://oi44.tinypic.com/25q7tz9.jpg

[Hanso Amore]

LOL i love the write up saying this is the WWEs loss as he will get snapped up by indies.

The WWE prints money and Hero will be wrestling in front of 75 people a night.

BIG LOSS.

[Hanso Amore]

I mean for real, could that "report" involve more of Heros penis in that guys mouth?

[James Steele]

It honestly feels like the internet writers don't even try anymore. They just write "preaching to the choir" type newz/articles. I've thoroughly enjoyed the WWE product for quite awhile now. I honestly don't know what issues people have with the product other than the fact that the story isn't going exactly how they want it to.

[Theo Dious]

I mean for real, could that "report" involve more of Heros penis in that guys mouth?

Best post in the entire history of things.

[Tazz Dan]

Kassius got released. Oh no!

[Vastardikai]

I almost want to post the Harper promo on Ohno here, as well.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It's a shame, since the dude is a fun worker and has got a personality somewhere there. I guess he just didn't want to play ball, and that's his choice at the end of the day. Maybe he can get himself into better shape and deliver some good matches that can get him another shot?

[Vastardikai]

I posted this on the PW Torch story about his release. It's kind of long and an elaboration of what was said here:

I don't feel like this is an issue of WWE deliberately blowing an opportunity with a hot prospect. It's not even an issue of Vince and Hunter having a hard-on for big buff guys. The issue is this: His bosses asked him to shape up, and he didn't do it.

I was a supervisor at a fast food restaurant for a while. I had an employee who did good work, but had an issue with keeping his appearance up to snuff. Everyone, including the store manager told him to keep his pants at his waist, but he just wouldn't do it. Eventually, a customer complained about seeing his underwear. He got fired as a result of that complaint. His father called a few days later and asked me why he was no longer employed by us. I told him the truth, that a customer complained about his inability to wear his pants properly. He understood and agreed with our decision.

Like it or not, there's a lot that goes into Professional Wrestling/Sports Entertainment. One of those things is your appearance. He didn't even have to look like Batista. If he were built like a Forrest Griffin, people could buy it. Instead, at his worst, he looked like Forrest Griffin after a month long binge on Doritos. They asked him to go to the gym, and he didn't go.

This isn't a Daniel Bryan situation where in the heat of the moment you did something stupid, but have the drive. This isn't an Antonio Cesaro situation where in his excitement of hitting his goal he did something stupid, but have the drive and can prove that you learned from your mistake. You are on the brink of being at the pinnacle of this business: WWE Television. 100 guys would kill to be where you are. And, instead of doing what management asks to get you to that goal, you slack off. He isn't employed by WWE by his own doing, and I think he knows that. Or at the very least he should.

Sorry about the rant.

[James Steele]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR3f0P4g5tE/UZ2NRljSg1I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/OQHk8KUDdGA/s640/ric-flair3-billmain.JPG

[Curd]

He looked like he was on NXT though, not ripped but definitely an improved look.

WWE should use CGI to morph physiques from where they are to where Vince and HHH want them to be. Then, each talent prints a photorealistic copy of that model and tapes it next to their posing mirror. If the talent doesn't have a full-length posing mirror, then that's already one strike. :)

[Frank Drebin]

It's completely different if you're a "big guy" like Big Show and Kane.

Usos?

[James Steele]

http://www.prowrestlingscoops.com/wp-content/gallery/batista-new-look-pic/001.jpg

[Frank Drebin]

Kassius got released. Oh no!

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bxZASSqP0h4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Not unexpected. Still sad. Hit the gym fatass.

[Frank Drebin]

http://www.prowrestlingscoops.com/wp-content/gallery/batista-new-look-pic/001.jpg

Batista joins the cast on the next episode of Showtime's Gigolos.

[Curd]

Usos?

I'm sure Kassius Ohno would have been fine-o had he been a Samoan...

...Because except for the Rock, being tubby is part of the Samoan gimmick.

[Vastardikai]

Now is a good time to point out that Reigns is Samoan, as well.

[VSG]

Not unexpected. Still sad. Hit the gym fatass.

:|

[Hanso Amore]

To be fair, look at the usos mom and dad. The fact that they can sit in a single seat when flying means they must be hitting the cardio hard.

[Hanso Amore]

But in an honest response, The Usos dont need to have a physique.

Lets be real - In the WWE you need to be a unique, larger than life character. You need something that sets you apart.

The Usos as SAMOAN.....TWINS......FROM A LEGENDARY FAMILY. How many of those are kicking around? they are super unique and that makes them "marketable".

What about Ohno? Hes a White guy with a Hobo beard that can work a good match.

How many of those are around these days? Tons. If you think ring work is enough in todays WWE to set him apart, then you are silly.

You cant be a Homeless Indy Wrestler who looks like shit when the Main event features a jacked up Homeless indy Wrestler.

[Swiss Ultimate]

Chris Hobo

[Rollermacka]

Usos?

Hmm, there not extremely muscular but I don't know if I'd call the Usos out of shape. I think it more falls to what Vastardikai said about how he "disobeyed the bosses". If Vince told me to cut my hair and change my name, I would totally do it. I'd trade this life for fortune and fame.....

[Fignuts]

Usos have a "thick" look where you can tell there is a lot of muscle. Ohno is just gooey.

[Poit]

More accurately, he was gooey. Now he's in much better shape.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I would like to see pics to see him in this much better shape

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Watching him vs Luke Harper... he's not in that much better shape. Moderate improvement at best.

[Bad News Gertner]

Samoans aren't exactly known for their muscular bodies and the Usos don't look like a sloppy mess.

Hmmmm I believe the psychic Gertner made a thread about Ohno looking out of shpe a long time ago.



Pulse.

[Curd]

Now is a good time to point out that Reigns is Samoan, as well.

Yeah, that's true. I'll remember from now.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Samoans aren't exactly known for their muscular bodies and the Usos don't look like a sloppy mess.

Hmmmm I believe the psychic Gertner made a thread about Ohno looking out of shpe a long time ago.



Pulse.

I always agreed with you

Scrotum.

[James Steele]

http://www.wrestling-match.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Triple-H-triple-h-416878_456_352.jpg

[Rollermacka]

Now is a good time to point out that Reigns is Samoan, as well.

Sonny Siaki is Samoan too (for any of you who remember early TNA)
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[James Steele]

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/68655_531405990217101_1994499826_n.png

[CSL]

Watching him vs Luke Harper... he's not in that much better shape. Moderate improvement at best.

yah, no real size difference/no gains etc, just shed a bit of fat (and literally a bit) and bit more of a tan. Not necessarily "the end of the road", 6/12 months he could put some work in and get another chance. Blows my mind that some of these guys don't absolutely kill themselves in the gym given the opportunity they have.

[Bad News Gertner]

Especially with how everything is today. Developmental wrestlers basically have everything they need right there. No ridiculous travel, no horrible sleeping conditions, none of that hardship that older wrestlers had to go through. They have it made.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah they work at the same god damned place every day. Get in the fucking gym that is right there with every piece of fucking equipment, with all the fucking personal trainers and a whole team of guys to motivate you... in which you're getting paid instead of having to pay for, jesus christ. Just like you said Gerty. It's there. There's nothing stopping them. Maybe he's depressed? Well then I understand.... but if he's depressed he needs to get his head on straight and get in shape before he comes back to the big show. Simple as that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Ohno posted a really classy blog about his release. If the dude works hard on the things he doesn't quite have down as well as his in-ring ability, then I could see him being re-signed at some point.