The recent departure of Dijak from WWE has sparked considerable discussion among fans and wrestling insiders, particularly following his inclusion in the 2024 WWE Draft without any subsequent utilization on television. Dijak, known for his tenure in the Retribution stable and his promising prospects in NXT, shared candid insights into his final days with the company in an interview with Fightful.
Dijak recounted the surreal experience of watching the draft unfold, revealing a mix of emotions and internal conflict as he anticipated his fate.
The former NXT standout expressed frustration and resignation upon realizing he was likely headed for the supplemental draft, which often signifies WWE’s lack of immediate plans for the drafted talent. he recalled,
“I’m sitting there during the draft. The draft is a shoot. Nobody knows what’s happening. I’m watching the names. There is an angel and demon on my shoulder. Part of me is sitting there grumpy because I thought it would be funny and I’m in character. Why would I stand an applaud? Internally, I’m thinking, ‘You’ve been told there are plans for you to be in the main event picture for the NXT Championship. Also, your contract is up in a month or so.’ There is an argument in my head, ‘Do you want to stay in NXT with Trick and have this cool feud. Will they renew you in NXT? That will be weird and an awkward conversation. You’re on a main roster contract still.’ It’s a weird middle ground.
“I watch the names get listed off. As they keep going, I’m like, ‘Uh oh.’ I’m thinking, the further this goes, the more likely I am to be in the supplemental draft. If I’m in the supplemental draft, I’m f**ked. It just means ‘we don’t care.’ I’m watching the names. They get to the last name, ‘Maybe if it’s on TV, it’s salvaged.’ I think the last name is Blair Davenport. Everyone is clapping. ‘Please still be in NXT.’ Whoever was doing the announcing, they were like, ‘We have one more announcement.’
“The second I heard those words, everything clicked together, ‘I’m so screwed.’ I texted my wife or friends or all of them, ‘I think I’m completely screwed.’ I’m connecting the dots. My contract ends in one month, they’re going to call me up in the supplemental draft, that means they don’t have anything for me, that means I’m going to come down to the wire, that means they’re going to bend me over the barrel or fire me.’ I’m connecting all these dots. Meanwhile, there are cameras on me, and I have play pretend that I’m happy. In a sense, I am because they’re cheering for me and supporting me. I’m like, ‘None of these people know what I know.’ Maybe they did, but certainly not the talent.
“I didn’t just go to NXT. I went back to the Performance Center. I live in New Hampshire. I’m flying down to the PC weeks at a time to train with people, do classes with the younger kids and give back. I’m all in on this Performance Center lifestyle. They’re all shoot happy for me. In my head, I’m like, ‘I’m f**ked.’ I try to stay positive. ‘You’re on Raw. Maybe there is a plan.’ I go to the first Raw. There is nothing on the sheet. You start playing the WWE game. ‘Maybe it’s this.’ The more you try to justify it, the more you go deeper in your brain. ‘Yup, you’re f**ked.’”
Having invested heavily in his WWE career, including time spent at the Performance Center mentoring younger talents, Dijak’s departure marks a significant shift in his professional trajectory. Despite his commitment and versatility, which were evident during his time in NXT and sporadic main roster appearances, Dijak found himself grappling with the harsh realities of WWE’s creative decisions.
The departure of Dijak adds to the list of former Retribution members who have sought opportunities elsewhere, including Mustafa Ali, Mace, and T-Bar. With WWE’s recent restructuring and focus on new talent directions, Dijak’s situation underscores the challenges faced by seasoned performers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
As Dijak explores potential opportunities as a free agent, speculation abounds regarding his next career move and whether promotions like AEW, NJPW, or others might extend offers. His departure from WWE has reignited discussions about talent utilization and creative direction within the company, prompting fans and pundits alike to reflect on the potential WWE may have missed with Dijak’s departure.