WWE announced Marty Wright’s release on March 4, 2009, but did not give a reason. A contemporaneous report said unnamed sources inside WWE viewed The Boogeyman as having failed to catch on in the ring and as too old for the company to invest in. Those were reported assessments, not an official explanation. The same report said asthma limited Wright’s in-ring work, according to an unnamed former coworker.
What WWE officially said
WWE’s March 4, 2009 announcement stated: “WWE has come to terms on the release of ECW Superstar "The Boogeyman" Marty Wright as of today, March 4. WWE wishes Marty the best in all his future endeavors.” It confirms the date of the release, but does not explain the decision. WWE’s announcement
What contemporaneous reporting said
On March 16, 2009, journalist Jason Powell reported that unnamed sources described the internal view as that Wright had not caught on in the ring and was too old for WWE to invest in. Because the sources were not identified, these points are best understood as reported reasoning rather than confirmed company policy or a definitive account of the decision. Jason Powell’s report
Powell also quoted an unnamed former coworker who said, “The guy tried hard,” and that Wright “never phoned it in.” The coworker described Wright as well-liked and someone who contributed character ideas, while saying asthma limited his in-ring work. The report does not identify the coworker or provide further detail about the effect of the condition.
#1 Best Overall
- 32-Piece Deluxe Wrestling Playset Our upgraded wrestling toy bundle includes 12 wrestler action figures, 1 standard square ring, 1 hexagonal gladiatorial cage ring and full matching equipment (ladder, table, chair, stretcher and more). With 32 total pieces, kids can recreate cage matches, extreme battles and full championship events.
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Was the Booker T controversy the reason?
Speculation connected Wright’s release to a dispute involving Booker T’s charity event during WrestleMania 25 weekend. Powell’s report said multiple unnamed sources indicated Wright had been “on the bubble” well before that weekend. It did not establish a causal link, so the controversy cannot be treated as the confirmed reason WWE released him.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the release fits into The Boogeyman’s WWE career
WWE’s biography says The Boogeyman first appeared on SmackDown in 2005, moved to ECW in 2007, and finished his WWE career in 2009. Wright later made a surprise appearance in the 2015 Royal Rumble, so the 2009 release was not his final appearance for WWE. WWE’s career biography
Rank #2
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WWE had also previously announced that it re-signed Wright and that he would train at Booker T’s wrestling school in Houston. That earlier personnel news is separate from the March 2009 release. WWE’s earlier re-signing announcement
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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