Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts applied to trademark his name last month, so he may have know about his release longer than was originally reported.

It is still not clear as to why Roberts was released. One report note that it was his decision to leave as he couldn't agree on money with WWE. Another conflicting reports mentions he was told by management that WWE wanted to go in a new direction with the ring announcing roles.

John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield said his release had nothing to do with an argument with Michael Cole at ringside.