Exclusive: Backstage Reaction To Enzo Amore Accusations And Firing

According to many on the WWE roster, Enzo Amore's current situation is largely a product of buying into his own gimmick.

The now-former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Amore was suspended, then fired after Fightful and other media made WWE aware of rape allegations levied against him. Fightful broke the news that WWE was livid about Amore being aware of the accusations and ongoing investigation without notifying them, leading to his firing. When we reached out to current and former WWE names that worked with Amore, the unanimous response was telling.

Several in WWE, including both management and fellow wrestlers had been on Enzo Amore for months, telling him that he needed to change his ways especially given today's climate. Out of the half-dozen people we spoke to, every single one specified that Enzo Amore either "lived his gimmick" or bought into it, which caused dissension between he and several others. 

During a recent interview with Corey Graves on the WWE Network and another with TMZ, Amore downplayed rumors that he was kicked off a WWE tour bus and the locker room, saying that "he dressed in his own locker room." Technically, the latter wasn't a lie, as we're told that he had been dressing in whatever smaller, unoccupied room he was able to find. When there weren't any available, he'd find corners or anywhere off from the main dressing room. 

The feeling from those we spoke to was that Enzo put himself into poor situations repeatedly, and kept company that many backstage wanted nothing to do with, to the point where Enzo Amore himself was told by management to vet who he brought around WWE shows, but he would often completely ignore advice given to him, or listen briefly before returning to his old ways. 

Enzo Amore was originally scheduled to defend the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at the WWE Royal Rumble against Cedric Alexander, before being fired from the company. Fightful.com will have full, live coverage and discussion of the Royal Rumble tonight (and we'll be in the chat answering your questions) and will go live for a post-show Podcast.