To many viewers of NXT, Leon Ruff represented them as the resident underdog of the black and gold brand, but the former North American Champion was one of several releases on August 6. The star did end up commenting on being cut the following day, stating on Twitter:
“I was able to compete against and earn respect from wrestlers I looked up to. Make an impact in/and inspire the wwe universe. And everyday I got to go to work with my best friend Thank you all for the love -Leon.”
I was able to compete against and earn respect from wreslters I looked up to.
Make an impact in/and inspire the wwe universe.
And everyday I got to go to work with my best friend
Thank you all for the love -Leon pic.twitter.com/IDGy7u5SpS— LEONRUFFIN (@LEONRUFF_) August 7, 2021
Ruff leaves behind his fiance, Aja Smith, who is a referee in NXT. Leon was on WWE programming the evening of his release on August 5 as he competed in the opening match on 205 Live. The same goes for for Alex Zayne (formerly Ari Sterling) as he battled KUSHIDA for the Cruiserweight Title in the main event. Ruff’s North American Title reign was short but memorable as he upset Johnny Gargano on the November 11 episode of NXT.
