The landscape of professional wrestling is often defined by its unpredictability, not just within the squared circle but perhaps even more so behind the curtains where contracts are signed and careers are mapped out. In the modern era of sports entertainment, specifically within the confines of the WWE developmental system, the distance between perceived job security and a sudden release has never felt shorter. This reality was recently highlighted by Javier Bernal, a performer who became a staple of the NXT brand under the moniker Big Body Javi. His departure from the company serves as a poignant case study in how the internal mechanics of a global conglomerate can shift unexpectedly, leaving even those who feel they have solidified their standing in a state of professional limbo. The details surrounding his exit, which he discussed at length during a deep-dive conversation on the Two Man Power Trip podcast in early 2026, paint a picture of a business that is as much about corporate strategy and bottom-line logistics as it is about in-ring storytelling and character development.
Bernal entered the WWE system in 2021, a time when the developmental wing was undergoing a massive philosophical shift. Moving away from the independent-heavy recruiting style of the previous decade, the company began focusing on collegiate athletes and charismatic personalities who could be molded from the ground up at the Performance Center in Orlando. Bernal fit the mold of a modern developmental success story, finding his niche not necessarily through a storied background on the indies, but through a dedicated commitment to a specific, obnoxious persona. As Big Body Javi, he leaned into the tropes of a delusional, self-absorbed heel who believed he was far more physically imposing and influential than he actually was. This character work allowed him to stand out on NXT Level Up, the weekly showcase designed to give rising stars television experience. Over time, his antics transitioned to the primary NXT television program, where he earned a reputation as a reliable hand who could generate heat and work effectively with a variety of opponents.
The true shock of Bernal’s release lies in the timing of the decision relative to his contractual status. In the professional wrestling industry, signing a new deal is traditionally viewed as a gesture of long-term commitment from the promotion. It signals that the creative team and the front office see a future for the athlete, providing a sense of stability that is often elusive in such a high-risk profession. According to Bernal’s recent reflections, he had put pen to paper on a fresh NXT contract just half a year before his eventual release. This timeline suggests that at the turn of the year, the powers that be were invested in his trajectory. For a talent to go from being offered a multi-year extension to being handed their walking papers in such a short window is a jarring experience that underscores the "at-will" nature of many modern wrestling agreements.
Compounding the frustration of the situation was Bernal’s physical status at the time of the cut. Wrestling is a grueling trade, and injuries are an inevitable hurdle for nearly everyone who steps through the ropes. Bernal had been sidelined with an injury, a period that is inherently stressful for any performer who relies on visibility to maintain their spot on the roster. He had only just navigated the difficult road of rehabilitation and returned to active status when the news broke. For a wrestler, the period immediately following a return from injury is usually one of renewed focus and a drive to reclaim lost momentum. Bernal expressed that he felt he was in a position to regain his footing and prove his worth once more, bolstered by the fact that he was technically starting a new chapter under his recent contract. The psychological blow of being released while still finding one’s rhythm after a layoff is a hurdle that many in the industry find difficult to overcome.
The decision-making process within WWE has always been a subject of intense speculation among fans and analysts. In the current structure of NXT, the creative direction is largely overseen by Shawn Michaels, whose leadership has been praised for fostering a more character-driven environment. Alongside him, Matt Bloom serves as the head coach of the Performance Center, overseeing the day-to-day athletic development of the roster. Bernal noted that his interactions with both Michaels and Bloom were overwhelmingly positive. He was led to believe that the primary architects of the NXT product valued his contributions, his work ethic, and his presence within the locker room. This creates a complex dynamic where a talent can be highly regarded by their immediate supervisors and the creative leads, yet still fall victim to a roster reduction. It suggests a disconnect, or perhaps simply a hierarchy, where the ultimate authority rests with corporate executives who may be looking at spreadsheets and budget allocations rather than match quality or character potential.
The wave of releases that included Bernal took place on May 2, 2025. This particular round of cuts was handled with a level of discretion that has become more common in the TKO era of WWE. Rather than the grand, publicized "spring cleaning" events of the past, these departures often emerge through reporting by industry insiders before being confirmed by the talents themselves. The lack of a formal public acknowledgment from the company can make the experience feel even more abrupt for the fans who have followed a performer’s journey. Bernal’s exit was part of a broader strategy to streamline the developmental roster, a process that often sees talented individuals let go simply because the company feels it has reached a saturation point with certain types of acts or because they are pivoting toward a different aesthetic or demographic.
Bernal’s tenure in WWE will likely be remembered for the "Big Body" gimmick, an act that showcased his ability to take a relatively simple concept and make it memorable through sheer charisma. Whether he was participating in backstage segments or competing in the ring, he understood the importance of the "entertainment" aspect of the business. He was a heel that fans loved to dislike, often serving as the perfect foil for rising babyfaces who needed a vocal antagonist to overcome. This type of utility player is essential for any wrestling promotion, as they help facilitate the growth of others while carving out their own unique space on the card. Despite never capturing a championship during his time in Orlando, Bernal’s ability to generate a reaction and maintain a consistent presence on television spoke to his effectiveness as a performer.
Looking ahead, the post-WWE landscape offers a variety of paths for a talent with Bernal’s experience. The "Big Body" brand is one that he owns and can theoretically carry into the independent circuit or other major promotions. In the modern era, a release from a major company is no longer the career death knell it once was. With the proliferation of high-profile independent shows, international opportunities, and alternative televised promotions, a wrestler with a proven track record and a recognizable character can often find success on their own terms. However, the transition requires a significant shift in mindset, moving from the structured environment of the Performance Center to the "do-it-yourself" world of the indies. Bernal’s comments suggest a person who is still processing the sudden end of one chapter while remaining cognizant of the skills he developed during his years under the WWE banner.
The broader implications of Bernal’s story resonate throughout the industry, serving as a cautionary tale about the illusion of security. In a corporate environment, especially one as large as WWE under the TKO umbrella, every contract is subject to the shifting winds of corporate strategy. The fact that a talent can be re-signed and then released within six months highlights a move toward a more "sports-like" roster management style, where players are moved or cut based on immediate needs and financial projections rather than long-term emotional investment. For the wrestlers, this means that the work of self-promotion and brand-building must never stop, even when a contract is firmly in hand.
As Bernal moves forward, his journey remains a testament to the resilience required to survive in professional wrestling. The "Big Body" persona was built on confidence and bravado, and those are the very traits he will need to rely on as he navigates the next phase of his career. While the shock of his release—occurring so soon after a new deal and a return from injury—is undeniable, it also opens the door for him to reinvent himself or prove his former employers wrong on a different stage. The wrestling world is full of stories of performers who found their greatest success after being told they were no longer needed, and Bernal has the foundational tools to join that list. For now, his experience stands as a vivid reminder that in the world of sports entertainment, the only constant is change, and the ink on a contract is rarely as permanent as it seems.
Ultimately, the departure of Javier Bernal reflects the high-stakes nature of the WWE developmental system. It is an environment designed to filter through hundreds of hopefuls to find the few who can headline WrestleMania. In that process, many talented individuals who have contributed significantly to the product find themselves on the outside looking in. Bernal’s willingness to speak openly about the circumstances of his exit provides a rare glimpse into the professional and emotional toll of these corporate decisions. As the industry continues to evolve and the boundaries between developmental and the main roster become increasingly blurred, the stories of those like Bernal will continue to shape our understanding of what it means to be a professional wrestler in the 21st century. His legacy in NXT as the "Big Body" of the brand is secure, but his future will be defined by how he chooses to respond to a setback that caught both him and his audience by surprise.
