WWE Superstars often experience significant triumphs post their contract releases. Upon leaving the company, some return to their former affiliations, while others navigate through various organizations, aspiring for a chance to be re-signed by WWE in the future. Recently, one star faced a championship defeat just before entering free agency.
Shane Haste, initially part of World Wrestling Entertainment in early 2016 alongside his longtime partner Mikey Nicholls, transitioned from being a member of The Mighty Don’t Kneel, or TMDK, to TM-61, known as Shane Thorne and Nick Miller. The duo departed from the company in December 2018. Haste later rebranded himself as SLAPJACK within the new RETRIBUTION faction. However, the group disbanded in less than eight months, leading to Haste’s release on November 18, 2021, amidst other cost-cutting measures, without making any further appearances on SmackDown TV.
Following his WWE exit, Shane Haste ventured into working with NJPW and PWG. Recent reports from Fightful Select suggest that his contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling is nearing its expiration, making him a free agent once again. Sources backstage hint at the impending conclusion of Haste’s current agreement, speculating on potential negotiations for a new deal or interest from WWE or AEW.
Triple H (Via WWE/Twitter)
As Haste’s tenure with NJPW drew to a close, he and Mikey Nicholls of The Mighty Don’t Kneel stable relinquished the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship to Hikuleo and El Phantasmo of Guerrillas of Destiny on May 11 at NJPW Resurgence. The duo had goed on a 29-day reign after defeating G.O.D. in October 2023 at NJPW’s Destruction In Ryogoku event.
Speculation arises regarding a potential reunion of RETRIBUTION outside the confines of WWE. The faction, which debuted on main roster TV in early August 2020 and disbanded by late March 2021, received mixed feedback for its storyline and characters. Fans now anticipate a reunion, possibly in the independent pro wrestling circuit, involving Shane Haste, known as SLAPJACK, who is poised to enter free agency from NJPW, along with Mason Madden, also a free agent.
