AW Released From WWE

In somewhat surprising news, it was announced on Friday that Abraham Washington, the brash mouthpiece for tag team the Prime Time Players, has been released from the company with immediate effect (h/t Wrestlinginc.com).

The official statement read, "WWE wishes A.W. the best in all his future endeavors."

AW was quick to react on his social media page, and didn't hold back his criticism of his former employers (via http://twitter.com/AWPromotions). 

"I've offended the wrong people that taught me how to have ATTITUDE It was the #WWE that made me bold and now it has turned it's back on me," he tweeted. 

"Let this be a lesson to up and coming talent in the WWE don't try and be great like the Rock or Stone Cold. WWE isn't the same.

 Just be normal shut up and be a yes man so you can collect your check and feel like your special. #SELLOUTS!!

I remember a time when the WWE didn't care about breaking the mold but now everyone is so afraid of their own shadow. #RememberTheFans."

The news follows an ill-advised joke made by Washington on a recent live episode of Monday Night Raw, where he alluded to a past controversy concerning basketball player Kobe Bryant.

Many thought his punishment would be severe, but having appeared on recent televised shows, it had seemed the storm had passed.

But with Linda McMahon currently running for the Republican nomination in the US Senate, it now appears that AW's comments came at exactly the wrong time.

The future of tag team the Prime Time Players remains up in the air as well.