While Randy Orton did indeed confront Mr. Kennedy about his botched suplex during their match last Monday night, rumors saying that Orton essentially had Kennedy fired are reportedly untrue.
According to F4Wrestling.com, Kennedy initially viewed the complaint from Orton, who has made an effort to mature and improve his respect level in the lockerroom, as a stern warning about tightening up his in-ring efforts. Unfortunately for Kennedy, Orton was not the only respected WWE performer who viewed Kennedy’s work as a liability.
Sources say that two “major, major stars” (long-term main-eventers) used the Orton incident as a platform to express their disapproval of Kennedy to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. McMahon, who was already reportedly upset over the “Denver Debacle,” harshly criticized Kennedy on the plane ride home, citing his recklessness, lack of business instincts and liability as a “green” worker. No influential staff members came to Kennedy’s defense, which ultimately meant that his time was numbered. Sure enough, this past Friday, Kennedy received his WWE release.
F4W adds that two other major WWE superstars had also expressed condemnation for Kennedy’s “horrible and clumsy” work. Few insiders came to Kennedy’s defense, with an unnamed source saying that the wrestler had been consistently reckless in the ring and “with his mouth.”