New details have come to light over the weekend following the release of WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio and it appears that the stories of him slapping a social media worker backstage were true and that the incident came about over a racist joke.
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Wrestlingheadlines.com reports that Del Rio slapped employee Cody Barbierri, who identifies himself as the WWE's manager of social media events on Twitter and Linked In.
According to the report, Barbierri was asked to wipe his plate clean during a meal in catering and replied that it was Del Rio's job to do it, inferring a racist joke against Hispanic people. Del Rio was later informed about the comment and confronted him. Barbierri didn't apologize for the comment, leading to Del Rio slapping him.
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The WWE then swiftly released Del Rio, who was rumored as wanting to leave the company when his contract expires anyway in order to wrestle in Mexico.
The WWE has taken a strong stance against Del Rio for this matter and even tweeted that he was responsible for his own actions. Del Rio has not tweeted since the incident.
"@VivaDelRio is responsible for his own actions. If you're angry at anyone, be angry at Alberto. There's no excuse for a pro athlete not to conduct themselves in a professional manner," the WWE wrote in a tweet that was re-tweeted by Triple H.
It was rumored since Triple H re-tweeted it that the whole thing could be part of a storyline, but reports have indicated that Del Rio is actually released from the company.
Former WWE and WCW wrestler Konnan took to his Twitter account to talk about racism in the WWE and even said he spoke with Del Rio following his departure.
"Should be no surprise what happened to Del Rio..There has always been rampant racism in the industry from subtle to obvious," he wrote.
Konnan, who also said the WWE should "free" Rey Mysterio as the two are currently in a contract dispute, also directed a tweet at Barbierri.
"@CodyBarbierri don't even think by a longshot this is over," he wrote.
Del Rio is a two-time WWE and World Heavyweight Champion and the 2011 Royal Rumble winner. He likely won't be able to wrestle for another promotion until his 90-day no-compete clause is up.
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