The post-WrestleMania wave of layoffs at WWE has claimed another surprising victim: Trevor Lee, better known as Cameron Grimes, is among those released. The 30-year-old wrestler announced his departure with an emotional post on social media this Tuesday. He expressed that competing in WWE had been his lifelong and sole dream. Now, he stated, he embraces a new mission: “to prove to WWE that they have missed out.”
Grimes’ release comes unexpectedly, especially given the positive signs from WWE regarding his career trajectory. Before signing with WWE, Lee made a name for himself in the independent circuit and the smaller league Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA). WWE star Kevin Owens notably gave Lee a career boost by letting him win his last match for the popular indie league PWG before Lee’s transition to WWE. Lee has also claimed victories over other top stars like Cody Rhodes and Adam Cole.
As part of WWE’s development roster, rebranded as Cameron Grimes, Lee showcased his entertainment skills. He portrayed the character of the “Richest Man in NXT,” a persona enriched through stock market success, and engaged in storylines with rising star LA Knight and wrestling legend “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase.
A poignant career highlight for Grimes was at the pre-show of WrestleMania 2022, where he captured the North American Title and dedicated the win to his late father: Tracey Caddell, a local wrestler and promoter from Lee’s home state of North Carolina, who passed away in 2018 just before his son’s WWE deal.
After a promising start on SmackDown following the 2023 WWE Draft, momentum stalled. Grimes was introduced in a scenario reminiscent of the legendary upset of 1-2-3 Kid over Razor Ramon, swiftly defeating Baron Corbin in a matter of seconds. Corbin had previously mocked Grimes, dubbing him “Mr. Irrelevant,” drawing parallels to the NFL underdog story of Brock Purdy.
Lee, more than any other recently released wrestler, fits the profile of someone who could excel with competitor AEW, given his unexpected dismissal and the potential that seemed to lie ahead of him in WWE. His release signals a significant shift, suggesting that the wrestling landscape may be poised for further surprises.