Smackdown's Ricky Ortiz Released by WWE

There will be no more "Big O" or ralley towel waving in the ring from superstar Ricky Ortiz. In what many people feel was a surprise move, World Wrestling Entertainment released wrestler Ricky Ortiz on Saturday. Ortiz was originally part of the "ECW Superstar Initiative" and after decent performances there, was eventually moved to Smackdown. WWE gave him the standard release statement that we have commonly seen given to other superstars and divas in the past:

WWE has come to terms on the release of SmackDown Superstar Ricky Ortiz as of today, Aug. 8, 2009. We wish Ricky the best in all future endeavors

When Ortiz first started with WWE on the ECW program, he started out on a major hot, undefeated streak, until he and Jack Swagger had a memorable first match. Swagger got the win to further propel his standing, and Ortiz sort of faded a bit after this. He was moved to Smackdown's brand in April 09' as part of the WWE draft. On Smackdown, his last match ever was a squash effort by Great Khali in under a minute. Strangely enough, The Brian Kendrick, also recently released, lost his last match in just a few seconds after the bell rang to Kofi Kingston on Raw.

According to reports from various wrestling news sites, the move to release Ortiz was a business decision rather than a cost-cutting one. The WWE has recently been trimming the rosters down by eliminating any talent they feel are not good investments. Best wishes to Ricky Ortiz, and again WWE's loss may become their competition's gain...