Former WWE Champion Reveals The Real Reason Vince McMahon Fired Him After Asking For One Thing
Vince McMahon has released countless WWE Superstars over the years, but one former Tag Team Champion just opened up about the real story behind his shocking exit—and it all came down to a single conversation about money.
Rico, a former WWE Tag Team Champion who held the titles twice alongside Rikishi and Charlie Haas, recently appeared on Chris Van Vliet’s “Insight” podcast. He revealed exactly what led to McMahon firing him in November 2004, even though his contract was supposed to run until February 2005.
According to Rico, the trouble started when he walked into Vince’s office to ask for a raise. He had already completed his three-year rookie contract, held tag team gold twice, and was appearing on TV almost every week. His request? An extra 1,000perweek—whichwouldhavebroughthisannualsalaryto127,000.
But Vince didn’t see it that way.
Rico explained that McMahon told him bluntly, “You’re not popular.” The conversation went south fast. And that wasn’t the only issue. Rico claimed Vince never really liked him from the beginning because of his age, and only put him on TV because he was forced to.
What makes the story even more striking is Rico’s background. Before wrestling, he graduated number one from two police academies, earned life-saving awards, and was even voted Officer of the Year by Crime Stoppers after catching a parole evader who led him to a murder suspect. He’s also an EMT and paramedic.
So how did Vince use him? As a flamboyant, feminine character. Rico believes the gimmick was designed to make him fail—but he turned it around anyway.
Now retired due to blood clots and blockages, Rico says he’s open to a part-time return if doctors can clear the issues. He’d love to do a tag team match again in a major promotion.
“I’d get right back into ring shape,” he said. “It won’t take me long.”
