Survivor: Why David vs. Goliath’s John Hennigan Is No Longer In WWE

Professional wrestler John Hennigan from Survivor: David vs. Goliath was recently released from WWE, and some fans may be confused as to why. Known for his brash persona and acrobatic wrestling style, John has wrestled for several organizations under various ring names (John Morrison, Johnny Nitro, and Johnny Impact, to name a few), but is best known for his time in WWE. John originally worked for WWE from 2002 to 2011 before a successful run in the independent circuit and a World Championship reign for Impact Wrestling. He returned to WWE in 2019, re-teaming with his former partner, The Miz, but he has since been released from his WWE contract.

During his time in the independent circuit, John took time off from wrestling to try his hand at Survivor. He appeared on the show’s 37th season, David vs. Goliath, as a member of the Goliath tribe. John subverted expectations by displaying a keen sense of self-awareness on the island. Counter to his wrestling character, John came across as sensitive and kindhearted, memorably befriending robotics engineer Christian Hubicki after a tribe swap. Forming an alliance called the “brochachos” together, Christian even offered to become the comptroller of “Slamtown,” a reference to John’s wrestling moniker, “The Mayor of Slamtown.” Unfortunately, John was blindsided in one of the most thrilling episodes of the season, but he made a great impact on David vs. Goliath, often considered one of Survivor‘s greatest seasons.

John’s release from WWE came as a surprise to wrestling and Survivor fans alike. His release was part of the latest wave of talent releases for the company, which has let go dozens of wrestlers and on-screen personnel this year due to budget cuts. John took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the situation. After thanking his fans for their support, John detailed the phone call he received from WWE’s head of talent relations, John Laurinaitis, who told John his “services as a talent were no longer required by WWE.” Visibly frustrated, John bemoaned the fact that he “didn’t even get a ‘best of luck in your future endeavors,‘” a reference to the verbiage WWE traditionally uses when announcing talent departures.

John then shifted the tone to express the gratitude and love he has for his profession and its fans and hinted at a possible future in the business, remarking, “When one chapter ends, another begins.” John likely has several options to move forward in wrestling, should he so choose. After any no-compete clause on his WWE contract expires, he can sign with a number of companies, including WWE’s biggest rival, AEW, which has recently signed former WWE stars CM Punk, Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson, and Adam Cole. John could also give Survivor another go if a Second Chance or All-Star season is in the works for 2022.

Survivor fans and John’s castmates have, as expected, expressed support and love for him on social media. His fellow brochacho, Christian, tweeted his support: “You’re the best, Mr. Mayor. As a Slamtonian, and as a friend, I wish you nothing but the best. Wherever you go will be better because of you.” Christian’s sentiment is spot-on. It will be exciting to see what John does next, whether or not that takes place in a wrestling ring.

Survivor: David vs. Goliath is available to stream on Netflix and Paramount Plus.

Sources: John Hennigan/Instagram, Christian Hubicki/Twitter

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