sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com, www.pwtorch.com

— Little has come out concerning Ricky Ortiz’ release from World Wrestling Entertainment two weekends ago. It’s been said that his age worked against him, as at 34, company officials didn’t have confidence he’d develop into the top guy they originally envisioned. It’s also been said that he was let go for budget reasons.

Ortiz, real name Richard Young, is originally from Paradise Valley, Arizona, which is near Phoenix. He attended Glendale Community College where he was second-team JC All-American as a linebacker, and started as a senior at the University of Tulsa. He played professional football from 1998 to 2004, reaching his highest point his rookie year by spending time in training camp with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and making the team’s practice squad during the season. He went on to play in the Canadian Football League (2000 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders) and Arena Football League (2000-01 and 2002-2004). Ortiz also played in the XFL for the Orlando Rage in 2001.

After his football career came to an end, Ortiz transitioned over to professional wrestling and gained experience in Ohio Valley Wrestling, starting in late 2006. He signed a developmental contract with WWE within a matter of weeks and under the name Atlas DaBone, was given a big push in the promotion right from the start. He would make his WWE debut one and half years later during the July 1, 2008 edition of ECW, first under the moniker Atlas Ortiz. His name changed to Ricky the following week. Ortiz would enjoy a five-month winning streak to kick off his career in WWE before being defeated by fellow newcomer Jack Swagger in December. Following his loss to Swagger, Ortiz’ push greatly leveled off and he was left off television more often than not. After his push had subsided on ECW, Ortiz would be transferred over to Smackdown during the 2009 WWE Supplemental Draft. Ortiz would make sporadic appearances on the blue brand, often coming up on the losing end.

— WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas, whose status with WWE remains in question, was flown into Los Angeles to meet with video game media at an event put together by WWE licensee THQ to promote future releases. There is still no word yet on his status with the company after his profile was removed from the ECW roster section a few weeks ago.

— In another Axxess match result, The Hurricane beat Paul Butchill in a little under 10 minutes this afternoon in Los Angeles.

See Ricky Ortiz’ *NEW LOOK* (>>)