Tag: Luke Harper

Backstage Details On Brodie Lee’s Condition Before His Passing

Although Brodie Lee’s passing on Saturday was met with a lot of shock in the wrestling world, people in AEW were aware of the seriousness of his lung ailment, according to Dave Meltzer on The Wrestling Observer Radio.

Meltzer noted that Lee’s condition was “one of those things that the few people who knew kept it quiet” even though a lot of people began questioning why The Exalted One had been off AEW TV for months. Lee was written off TV after his Dog Collar Match against Cody Rhodes during the Oct. 7 episode of AEW Dynamite. While Lee made a few appearances after that match, he never wrestled again as he was injured in storyline.

The Observer also pointed to how Brodie Lee Jr. defeating Kenny Omega to win the AEW World Championship last week [in a dark segment after AEW Dynamite tapings] hinted that “something was wrong” which led to Meltzer and others asking about Lee’s prolonged absence from AEW. The 8-year-old son of Lee jumped on Omega’s back and made the AEW World Champion tap out. Justin Roberts actually announced Brodie Lee Jr. as the new champion.

Lee had been suffering from his lung ailment “for a long time” and the condition worsened over a period of time, added Meltzer.

As noted, Lee’s wife Amanda took to Instagram and said her husband passed “after a hard fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

AEW Star Jon Huber Aka Brodie Lee Has Passed Away

All Elite Wrestling star Brodie Lee (real name Jon Huber) has passed away at the age 41.

Huber’s death was confirmed on social media by AEW.

According to his wife, Huber’s death was caused by a “non Covid related lung issue”.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1343006487988342786

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

AEW President & CEO Tony Khan released the following statement on social media about Lee’s passing.

I’m devastated by the loss of Jon Huber, known to fans as Mr. Brodie Lee, formerly Luke Harper. Jon was a great man. His family came first, his loving wife Amanda & their sons Brodie + Nolan. He loved wrestling & was great at it, he loved you fans. Please keep him in your hearts.

https://twitter.com/TonyKhan/status/1343020124895399936

WWE has released the following statement about Lee’s passing:

WWE is saddened to learn that Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper, passed away today at age 41.

Known as both Luke Harper and Brodie Lee in the ring, Huber found success in every stop of his sports-entertainment career, as his soft spoken yet imposing presence helped him create countless awe-inspiring moments in the ring. After a highly decorated run on the independent circuit, Harper debuted in NXT as a menacing enforcer for The Wyatt Family. Harper had a dominant tag team run with Rowan that would lay the groundwork for future championship success.

As a member of The Wyatt Family, he engaged in heated rivalries with the likes of Kane, Daniel Bryan, The Shield, John Cena and The Usos. After being set free from the family, Harper authored an impressive singles run that culminated with him defeating Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. Harper & Rowan later comprised The Bludgeon Brothers and embarked on a path of destruction that was highlighted by a SmackDown Tag Team Title victory in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 34.

WWE extends its condolences to Huber’s family, friends and fans.

WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephaine McMahon also wrote a tribute to Brodie Lee on social media.

Luke Harper (Brodie Lee) Reportedly Making His AEW Debut Soon

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Brodie Lee, f.k.a. Luke Harper, is reportedly expected to make his AEW debut soon.

The 40 year old Lee is expected to sign a new AEW contract and then make his debut during their March 18 Dynamite episode from his hometown of Rochester, NY, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He will likely go back to using the Brodie Lee name in AEW.

The Observer noted that Lee, who is scheduled to appear at WrestleCon during WrestleMania 36 Weekend in early April, will be able to legally start with any other promotion before March 18, but the idea is that it’s best to debut him in Rochester as he’s guaranteed to receive a major reaction there. It was previously reported that Harper, Sin Cara and The Ascension would see their WWE non-compete clauses expire on Sunday, March 8.

Lee filed to trademark the “Brodie Lee” ring name back on November 26, shortly before he was granted his WWE release on December 8, along with Sin Cara and The Ascension.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Has Released Luke Harper, Sin Cara and The Ascension

WWE has announced they’ve parted ways with Sin Cara.

The company posted a statement on WWE.com that says:

WWE has come to terms on the release of Sin Cara. WWE wishes him all the best in his future endeavors.

As we previously reported, the wrestler formerly known as Hunico requested his release from the company last month.

Sin Cara said at the time that he was asking for his release because he didn’t feel like he was being valued as a talent in WWE.

The 42-year-old wrestler attended last night’s Combate Americas event in support of Alberto El Patron and told reporters beforehand that he hasn’t ruled out the idea of stepping into the octagon for an MMA fight.

“Thank you WWE Universe it has been an amazing adventure,” Sin Cara tweeted once the news was made public.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1203753774139002881

 

Former WWE Tag Team and Intercontinental Champion Luke Harper has been released from WWE.

The announcement was made on Sunday via WWE.com, where the company wished him well in his future endeavors.

Luke Harper went public with the fact that he was requesting his release from the company back in April. He briefly returned to TV, however, during Erick Rowan’s feud with Roman Reigns over the summer … then stopped being used again.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1203767972352987137

 

WWE has announced the releases of Konnor and Viktor aka The Ascension.

The company wished the tag team the best in their future endeavors in the announcement made on Sunday via WWE.com.

Konnor signed with WWE in 2010. Viktor signed with the company in 2011. After a successful run in NXT, the duo made their main roster debut in 2014. The Ascension failed to take off, however, and were used sparingly throughout their run.

Image result for the ascension wwe

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1203767972352987137

Luke Harper Returns At WWE Clash Of Champions

Luke Harper made his long-awaited WWE return last night at Clash of Champions at the end of the No DQ match between Erick Rowan and Roman Reigns, helping Rowan get the win.

Reigns attempted to hit a massive spear on Rowan while running down the ramp, but it was stopped out of nowhere with a massive big boot by the returning Harper.

The former Bludgeon Brothers then brought Reigns into the ring and hit some tandem offense that included Harper’s signature clothesline. Rowan then hit the Iron Claw slam to pickup the win.

As you may recall, Luke Harper publicly opened up about being unhappy with his place in the company back in March. The next month he made it known that he had requested his release from WWE, but as time passed it was reported he was having trouble getting the request approved.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1173418191189467146

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1173418846889435137

Backstage Updates On Luke Harper’s WWE Status And Release Request

Luke Harper reportedly asked Vince McMahon if he could be released from his contract in November, if WWE wasn’t going to use him, but Vince told him to take it up with Triple H. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter adds that Triple H then didn’t respond to Harper, at least as of press time.

We’ve noted how WWE officials chose to add 6 months to Harper’s contract to make up for the time he spent on the shelf after wrist surgery. The contract was to expire in November.

It looks like Harper will be paid to sit at home as The Observer notes that he has been given no future bookings, but they also will not let him out of his contract. It was reported before that Harper won’t be able to leave the company until around WrestleMania 36 time in 2020.

It was reported in early May that Vince informed Harper, in writing, that the company would not be releasing him from his contract. This was apparently a response to Harper requesting his release back on April 16. You can read our report on what went wrong with Vince and Harper by clicking here.

There had been some speculation on Bray Wyatt trying to get Harper back on TV for his “Firefly Fun House” storyline, but it looks like WWE will not be using Harper while he waits on his contract to expire, unless plans change.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Backstage News On Vince McMahon – Luke Harper, Braun Strowman Gets Heat At WrestleMania 35?, EC3

Vince McMahon has reportedly informed Luke Harper in writing that the company will not be releasing him from his WWE contract, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

As we’ve noted, Harper announced back on April 16 that he had requested his release over unhappiness with how he’s been used. It was reported last week that WWE has added another 6 months to Harper’s contract for the time he spent on the shelf after wrist surgery. His contract was to expire in November of this year, but now he won’t be able to leave until around WrestleMania 36 time in 2020. WWE had plans for Harper to return and feud with Sami Zayn.

Vince reportedly saw Harper’s return match earlier this year and then made the decision not to use him. Vince reportedly said he didn’t “get him” and complained that Harper couldn’t even do a Southern accent, which stems from WWE wanting Harper to do a Southern accent four years ago.

Harper had been regularly pitching ideas to WWE officials while he was out with the injury, but they turned every pitch down. Harper was cleared to return to the ring back on February 6, but WWE wasn’t using him beyond the WrestleMania 35 Axxess tapings. Vince randomly wanted to know why Harper wasn’t in the 6th Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania, which is why he was added to the match. Apparently the end of the battle royal was a mess as winner Braun Strowman forgot his spots, which is one of the reasons why Strowman hasn’t had much of a push since winning the match.

Harper was to begin the feud with Zayn the day after WrestleMania 35, but he was then told that he wasn’t needed for the post-WrestleMania TV tapings in Brooklyn. Harper then went home, but was called to come back on Tuesday for a match with EC3. Harper was basically used as the dark match opponent to test out the wrestler/manager pairing of EC3 and Drake Maverick. The agents in charge of that match had set up several manager-related spots in the match. Vince watched the match and said he hated the spots with Drake. WWE creative then held a meeting on the first day of the 2019 Superstar Shakeup and when it was asked about which brand Harper would be going to, Vince commented on how he can’t even do the Southern accent and how the match with EC3 was bad. Harper ended up going nowhere in the Shakeup and that’s when he asked for his release.

There’s no word yet on if WWE will bring Harper back to TV, or if he will sit at home while they wait for his contract to expire next year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Reportedly Extending Luke Harper’s Contract Until Early 2020

It looks like Luke Harper won’t be leaving WWE any time soon.

As was speculated, WWE is adding another 6 months to Harper’s contract to make up for the time he missed for wrist surgery, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Harper’s contract was to end in November of this year, but WWE has added to it because it was “frozen” while he was on the shelf.

We noted before how Harper took to Twitter on April 16 to announce that he had requested his release. He had previously tweeted about being concerned or unhappy with his position in WWE going into the WrestleMania 35 Axxess events, where he wrestled Dominik Dijakovic for the Worlds Collide tapings. That match aired last week on the WWE Network, Harper’s first WWE TV match since last summer.

It was believed that WWE could add to Harper’s contract to make up for the time he missed when he was injured, and according to the Observer, that is what has happened. There has been obvious speculation on Harper going to All Elite Wrestling once he’s a free agent and he is good friends with AEW’s Vice President of Business Strategy, Chris Harrington.

Harper would be able to leave WWE around WrestleMania 36 time next year.

For those who missed it, below is Harper’s original statement from last Tuesday:

“As of this evening, I have requested a release from WWE. The past 6 years have been a simply, amazing journey around the world and back with lifelong friends and family. I am proud of it all and proud to say I shared the ring with my co workers.This decision, as difficult as it was, feels right for myself and WWE. My goal in the future is to continue to grow as a performer and person and continue to make my family proud.

Thank you. From the top to the bottom of WWE. Thank you to the fans for your undying support. Thank you everyone.”

https://twitter.com/LukeHarperWWE/status/1118246927999676416

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Report: Luke Harper’s WWE Contract Is Up In November, Expected To Sign With AEW

According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Luke Harper’s contract is expected to be up around the November time frame, but WWE has an option of keeping his deal rolling for another six months beyond that due to verbiage in the contract giving the company the ability to extend his agreement based on the amount of time he was sidelined due to injury.

While it is unlikely WWE will give him his immediate release, the speculation is that he will likely and ultimately end up with All Elite Wrestling by 2020.

We reported earlier this week that Harper had asked WWE for his release.

Source: EWrestling.com

Luke Harper Announces He Has Requested His WWE Release

Luke Harper took to Twitter today to announce that he has requested his release from WWE.

Harper previously tweeted about being concerned or unhappy with his position in WWE going into the WrestleMania 35 Axxess events, where he wrestled Dominik Dijakovic for the Worlds Collide tapings. That match aired this past Sunday on the WWE Network, Harper’s first WWE TV match since last summer. Harper noted in today’s announcement that he is proud of his 6 years with WWE, but asking for his release felt right for himself and WWE.

There’s no word yet on if WWE will grant the release, but we will keep you updated. It was recently reported that WWE was not interested in granting releases due to competition from AEW and other promotions, but some Superstars have been released this year.

“As of this evening, I have requested a release from WWE. The past 6 years have been a simply, amazing journey around the world and back with lifelong friends and family. I am proud of it all and proud to say I shared the ring with my co workers.This decision, as difficult as it was, feels right for myself and WWE. My goal in the future is to continue to grow as a performer and person and continue to make my family proud.

Thank you. From the top to the bottom of WWE. Thank you to the fans for your undying support. Thank you everyone.”

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Harper’s contract is up in November. It was noted that WWE could theoretically hold him for six months after that by freezing his contract for the amount of time that he was out with his recent injury, although it is unlikely.

Last summer Harper elected to undergo surgery on his wrist after Rowan suffered a torn right bicep. This was after the two were repackaged as The Bludgeon Brothers. Harper was cleared for action back in February but has been used sparingly. He competed against Dominik Dijakovic at WrestleMania Axxess and was a participant in this year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

As far as what would be next for Harper if he is released, Meltzer stated it is a possibility that he ends up in All Elite Wrestling. One of his closest friends is Chris Harrington, who is now AEW’s Vice President of Business Strategy.

Harper became a pro wrestler in 2003, working as Brodie Lee. He made a name for himself in places like Chikara, Squared Circle Wrestling, All Jersey Pro Wrestling, Dragon Gate and Ring of Honor. While he gained recognition as a singles competitor, Harper has been best known in recent years as one of the members of The Wyatt Family.

Source: Wrestling Inc.