Backlash Preview, Alberto Del Rio and Top WWE News from Week of September 10

Ever since the brand extension took place, it feels like WWE has become a much busier company. Not only are we getting seven more pay-per-views every year, but the Cruiserweight Classic, in addition to NXT, has made Wednesday just as important as Monday and Tuesday.

Let's get right into the biggest stories from the past week.

WWE Officially Releases Alberto Del Rio

The past few weeks were filled with stories of Alberto Del Rio reportedly leaving WWE, and it was finally confirmed Friday when WWE.com posted the news of his departure.

Del Rio was suspended for his first violation of the WWE's wellness policy in August, and rumors immediately began swirling about ADR choosing to leave before his contract expired.

According to Jonathan Hernandez of Wrestling Inc, Del Rio held a press conference to discuss his future, and he said he is free to wrestle anywhere outside of the United States but is working on being cleared to work in the U.S.

WWE usually has clauses in talent contracts prohibiting talents from working for other promotions for up to 90 days, but it's possible something different was negotiated when he first returned in 2015.

His return at SummerSlam 2015 saw ADR defeat Cena for the United States Championship, but failed storylines with Zeb Colter and The League of Nations indicated he would never return to the main event status he once enjoyed.

Del Rio last appeared for WWE in a losing effort against John Cena on August 16. After seeing how disappointing his last run was, it wouldn't be surprising if this was the last time we ever saw Mexico's Greatest Export in a WWE ring.

Scotty 2 Hotty Joins Performance Center as Coach

Scott Garland, better known to WWE fans as Scotty 2 Hotty, has joined the WWE Performance Center as its newest coach, according to WWE.com.

Garland was a talented wrestler who was part of the highly popular Attitude Era team Too Cool, alongside Rikishi and "Too Sexy" Brian Christopher.

In addition to winning the tag team titles with each partner, Garland was also a one-time light heavyweight champion.

His talent for getting the crowd to come alive was always punctuated with his trademark move: The Worm. The unorthodox maneuver might be ridiculous, but it was always entertaining.

Chris Benoit Biopic Gets Director

Variety's Dave McNary is reporting the controversial Chris Benoit biopic has signed Lexi Alexander to helm the film as director.

Rumors have circulated for years about a possible project titled Crossface. The film has been in development without much advancement for quite some time, but hiring a director is a good sign the film will move forward.

Benoit made worldwide headlines in 2007 after he tragically took the lives of his wife and young son before committing suicide.

Years of steroid abuse, concussions and brain damage were blamed for the veteran grappler's actions, and the incident was a big motivator for WWE to develop what has become its current wellness policy.

Cruiserweight Classic Live Finale Preview

The WWE Network has been airing the Cruiserweight Classic for the past nine weeks, and in that time, it has become one of the most popular WWE shows.

The tournament started with 32 wrestlers from around the world, but the field has been narrowed down to the final four competitors.

The finale will air live on the WWE Network on Wednesday. T.J. Perkins vs. Kota Ibushi and Gran Metalik vs. Zack Sabre Jr. will be the semifinal matches, with the winners facing each other in the final later that night.

But wait, there's more. Last week's episode of NXT featured Johnny Gargano telling Tommaso Ciampa that William Regal has granted them a tag team match on the CWC live finale.

This tournament has been a godsend for fans of indy and international wrestling because it has put the talents of guys like Cedric Alexander in front of a WWE camera while also allowing WWE veterans like Brian Kendrick and Tajiri to prove they are still as good as we remember.

Many of the talents who have impressed the WWE Universe and management will be part of Raw's cruiserweight division going forward. It's just too bad we won't get more of Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo as a commentary team once the tournament is over.

Final Backlash Card

SmackDown's first exclusive pay-per-view is set to take place Sunday. WWE has resurrected the Backlash name for this event after it was last used in 2009.

Here is a final look at Sunday's card according to WWE.com:

Match	Stipulation
Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles	WWE Championship
Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. TBA	SmackDown Tag Team Championships
The Usos vs. The Hype Bros	Winners face Rhyno and Slater
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt	Singles Match
The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler	Intercontinental Championship
Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella vs. Natalya vs. Naomi	SmackDown Women's Championship

What are your predictions for WWE Backlash and the finals of the Cruiserweight Classic?

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