WWE Rumors: Roderick Strong Requests to Be Released from Contract

WWE's roster of NXT superstars has undergone a massive makeover in recent months, and now another veteran wrestler is reportedly looking to end his tenure with the company.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, NXT superstar Roderick Strong has requested to be released from his contract. Strong signed with WWE in October 2016 and spent his entire run as part of the NXT brand.

Strong made his professional wrestling debut on the independent circuit in Florida in 2000. The 38-year-old eventually rose to become a popular indie wrestler thanks to an impressive 13-year run in Ring of Honor, where he became the company's second-ever Triple Crown champion. Strong also had notable tenures in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and ROH's sister promotion, Full Impact Pro, and toured Japan with Dragon Gate and Pro Wrestling Noah.

In NXT, Strong lacked direction for quite some time and bounced between rivalry after rivalry before he was added to the Undisputed Era alongside Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish. Together, they became the most popular faction in the history of NXT. 

Strong became a two-time NXT tag team champion, and he also won his first singles title with the company when he earned the NXT North American title. As Cole's contract with NXT was coming to an end, Undisputed Era disbanded as part of his final storyline with the company. Cole, O'Reilly and Fish are all currently together in All Elite Wrestling.

After taking some time away from NXT, Strong returned to the newly rebranded NXT 2.0 as the leader of a new faction called Diamond Mine. He became NXT cruiserweight champion before that title was retired.

Strong is known for his impeccable in-ring abilities. He will surely be sought after by many wrestling promotions if he is granted his release.

This continues a trend of veteran wrestlers having their time in NXT come to an end. On Friday, WWE reportedly released 10 superstars from their NXT contracts. Dakota Kai, Dexter Lumis and Malcolm Bivens were the most popular superstars among this latest round of roster cuts.

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