WWE Cuts Performance Center Trainee

Leo Gao

Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that Performance Center trainee Leo Gao (real name Gao Lei) was released from his WWE contract today.

After being informed of his release, Gao wrote on Twitter, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never konw what you’re going to get.So should be keep smile!”

Although he never wrestled a match for NXT, Leo was a favorite at the WWE Performance Center after he was hired following a tryout in China last year. WWE.com ran this article praising him.

According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, an injury he suffered over the summer may have played a part in his release. Gao injured his neck while training back in August and was recently cleared, but on a limited basis.

Gao was pretty much signed last year due to his boisterous personality. Here’s a video of him impersonating “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at the WWE Performance Center.

WWE also released NXT wrestler Sawyer Fulton today.