Backstage News: 'Pretty Ricky' Gimmick Update, Kendrick's Firing

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

? The idea of R-Truth (Ron Killings) on Smackdown as the "Pretty Ricky" character isn't dead despite it not being used on television for the last few weeks as we noted earlier. Vince McMahon loves the character, while pretty much no one in creative is backing it or is really a fan of it. While Killings has always had charisma, there are some within the company who feel his age (37) could be working against him when there is something of a youth movement taking place on all of the rosters.

? As reported on earlier, WWE announced the release of Brian Kendrick on Thursday effective July 30, 2009. Kendrick, who is 30, was warned several times that the company would not tolerate his failing drug tests for marijuana (which is a $1,000 fine and not a full suspension) and was at least one of two wrestlers who had their pushes stopped because of it. His release from the company was believed to be related to his failing drug tests. As noted earlier here on the website, when he was told by WWE's John Laurinaitis that he was getting released, the reason he was given was because of the economy and nothing else. Those who heard the reason Kendrick was given for his release found it to be both surprising and really lame. Pat Patterson reportedly spoke up for Kendrick in the past when there was talks of releasing him earlier when he continued to test positive for marijuana use.

? As noted earlier here on the website, WWE will be holding a Raw brand live event on Thursday, December 30, 2009 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Sources say that they're hoping to draw 20,000 fans with it being the Christmas holiday break. Post-Christmas shows always do really good business.