Former NXT wrestler announced for first post-WWE matches
The former Eddy Thorpe, now back to using his real name Karl Fredericks, has been announced for his first post-WWE matches.
Fredericks was part of the roster cuts revealed on May 2, later stating that he had asked to be released. Over the weekend, he made an unadvertised appearance at a West Coast Pro Wrestling show and has since been announced for the promotion’s September 5 event in San Francisco.
The 34-year-old is also scheduled to face Mance Warner at Jersey Championship Wrestling’s show in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on Sunday, September 21.
Last month, Fredericks explained on social media that he requested his release from WWE because he wanted to do something meaningful with his life.
“I asked for my release from WWE so I could do something f–king meaningful with my life,” he wrote.
He later added, “I set the goal to work (in WWE). I spent a decade working for it. I got it. And in my experience I came to the conclusion I didn’t want to do it.”
Fredericks also mentioned that he was upset WWE wouldn’t allow him to work a volunteer DJ’ing job over WrestleMania weekend.
Prior to signing with WWE, Fredericks joined the NJPW Dojo system in 2015. He won the Young Lions Cup in 2019 but announced in June 2022 that he was leaving NJPW, upset at not being chosen to participate in that year’s G1 Climax.