Cezar Bononi Gets Candid About His WWE Release

A Journey of Resilience: From WWE to AEW

Cezar Bononi, a name familiar to wrestling fans, has seen the highs and lows of the industry firsthand. Recently, Bononi made headlines for hiding Jordynne Grace and Ethan Page in his garage prior to their “NXT” debuts. However, his journey extends far beyond this moment of camaraderie. With a career that includes significant stints in both AEW and WWE, Bononi’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and ultimate triumph. In a revealing appearance on “Developmentally Speaking,” Bononi opened up about the challenges he faced following his release from WWE and his subsequent journey.

The WWE Release: An Uncertain Future

Bononi’s tenure with WWE lasted from 2016 to 2020, culminating in his release as part of a wave of cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unexpected turn of events left Bononi grappling with an uncertain future, compounded by the potential need to leave the United States and return to his native Brazil.

“I had no idea what to do,” Bononi shared. “And I had thirty days to leave the country, cause my visa was linked to them [WWE]. So I had to [leave] and they were forcing me, ‘Hey, you’ve got to decide whatever we’re going to do. We have to buy you a ticket, because you cannot stay in the United States.’ And I was very blessed to get the opportunity to apply for a green card, and it worked.”

Navigating the Non-Compete Clause

Securing his stay in the United States was just one hurdle; Bononi also had to navigate the financial challenges posed by his WWE non-compete clause, which prevented him from immediately seeking new wrestling opportunities.

Nic Nemeth has revealed why he requested his release from WWE.

“I got to a point where I really told myself, I go, ‘I only have a certain window, no matter how I am with injuries, you have a certain window to where you can still be a top, somewhat of a game-changer, at a… pic.twitter.com/tximeoU4zn

— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) June 4, 2024

“I had to wait until I could actually work,” Bononi explained. “So I was trying my best to find ways to meet end…I was baking some Brazilian desserts, and I was selling them to my friends. I was waiting for opportunities, [then] I got opportunities in AEW. And that started to get better, but then those opportunities went off, then my son was born, and my wife was diagnosed with leukemia. Then everything went even lower. But after that as well, I got more opportunities in AEW, and finally got a contract right there. So everything ended up good.”

Personal Struggles: Family and Health

The period following his WWE release was marked by significant personal struggles. As Bononi awaited his chance to return to the ring, he faced the challenges of becoming a father and supporting his wife through a leukemia diagnosis. These experiences tested his resilience and determination, but ultimately, they also highlighted his strength and dedication to his family and career.

Bononi’s story is not just about professional success but also about overcoming personal adversity. His wife’s health battle and the birth of his son were pivotal moments that influenced his perspective and drive. Balancing the demands of his personal life with his professional aspirations, Bononi demonstrated a remarkable ability to persevere through the toughest times.

The AEW Opportunity: A New Chapter

Bononi’s persistence paid off when he received opportunities in AEW, eventually securing a contract with the promotion. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, allowing him to continue pursuing his passion for wrestling while providing stability for his family.

Bononi’s journey in AEW has been one of steady progress. Starting with sporadic appearances, he gradually built his presence and showcased his talent, earning recognition and respect within the wrestling community. His perseverance and hard work culminated in a full-time contract, affirming his place in the AEW roster.

Reflections on the Journey