Taz leaves WWF/E

The first time that Taz stepped foot into a WWF ring, he was there as part of an ECW 'invasion' that was to promote ECW's first PPV "Barely Legal". That night, he stretched Mikey Whipwreck. Just under three years later, Taz returned to make his debut as a WWF wrestler, ending Kurt Angle's undefeated streak and choking him out at the 2000 Royal Rumble, in front of an energetic crowd at Madison Square Garden. For ECW fans, such as myself, it was sad to see Taz leave but we were sure that big things were in store for him. In no time, he was mixing it up with The Rock and even defending the ECW World Title against HHH. Surely, the man that elevated the ECW World Title would go on to win the WWF Title, in due time. We just knew he would be having classic matches against the great talent that WWF was bringing in at the time, like Chris Benoit, Eddy Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, etc. However, an injury put him on the shelf for a while and he returned with much less fanfare. He was tossed into a feud with Jerry Lawler and joined forces with Raven, for a short time. It all went downhill from there.

Taz became a commentator, rather than suplex the entire WWF on their skulls. The only gold he ever held was one half of the WWF Tag Team Title (unless you count his five seconds with the Hardcore Title). Most fans, today, have no idea that their amusing Smackdown commentator was once one of the most feared men to lace up a pair of wrestling boots. Well, now that seems to have come to a conclusion. Taz gave his notice to the company a few weeks back with his final appearance set to be last night. According to sources, this was a call by Taz and he apparently wanted a break as he has been working for the company for almost ten years. Hopefully, he's saved his money over the years and will do just fine away from the business. Still, it's sad to think how it's ended for him, after coming in with such promise. Then again, he'll probably show up in TNA. Who knows?

Here is a public statement from Taz:

"Yo,

Well, after leaving WWE recently, I would like to make my first public comments here on the page. I would like to thank the Pro Wrestling fan base for the support through all my years with ECW & WWE! I especially want to thank all of you on this Facebook fan page from all over the world! I try to read most of your comments and I am truly flattered on how many of you supported what I did in the real ECW and my broadcasting accomplishments in WWE. Lets face it, after my debut at MSG vs the great Kurt Angle their wasn't much for me to "hang my hat on" as a wrestler during my tenure wrestling for WWE.Now, I want to clear up some "true & false" for all of you....

TRUE
-My contract expired the end of March and I had given my notice several weeks prior
-I ask WWE for my release to pursue other interest
-I offered to call Wrestlemania while I was not contractually obligated....and offered to call the show for free to the company.
-I have fulfilled EVERY obligation to the WWE, and pride myself on leaving the proper/professional way.
-On my way out, from Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & Stephanie ALL treated me great...which was cool.
-I APPRECIATE all of the offers for appearances but right now I'm just doing very few appearances (if any). I'm gonna chill out and watch my kid hit baseballs.
-I am done wrestling. At 41 years old, several neck and shoulder issues...not happening. I would be a former shell of myself.
-I too have hated the extra "Z"

FALSE
-Burnout (If anything, I'm more inspired & motivated now than ever)

Hopefully that clears up some things people were saying in regards to my situation. Also, I have had the opportunity of becoming friends with so many talented & awesome people within the WWE while working there for nearly 10 years and will miss many of them! I would like to thank the writers, road & studio crew and all the talent...especially guys I have a closer friendship with.

I especially want thank three of the main play by play guys I've work with.

Joey Styles
-A dear friend whom I've been goombas with for 15 years and will stay friends with! I felt Joey never had a chance to truly be "Joey Styles" in WWE as an announce talent...that's a shame. But the announce style is completely different than anything Joey ever really did in the business....tough to adapt.

Jim Ross
-The best of the best! True Hall of Famer and a man I respect and appreciate. I cannot thank him enough for all he has taught me as an announcer...as of recent JR & I were the Smack announce team and were doing a strong job in my view....we have shared some good times on many road trips as of recent...BOOMER SOONER!! And I'm a Nebraska Husker fan (lol)

Micheal Cole
-One of my best friends...a guy that truly gave me the confidence to excel as a color commentator years ago in WWE...Cole taught me how to get over the talent, the storylines and get over the brand! He was the only one that had the balls to flat out say to me "its not about you anymore"...I respect that. Amazing work ethic, always would try to find a way for me to get over on him...zero ego & underrated!

I been hearing that Cole has been getting bashed by some on-line fans lately- check this out, if you work at McDonald's and your boss wants you to cook BicMac's...you than go and cook BIG MACS! Anyway, I look forward to working with Cole in the future in some capacity be it TV or Radio.

I want thank World Wrestling Entertainment and the McMahon Family for all the years and all the opportunities...they allowed me a great ride which I truly appreciate.In closing, I've been in the Pro Wrestling business for 23 years and I don't plan on disappearing anytime soon.

I plan to make an impact real soon in this, the ultimate in businesses and keep it's honor....lol....sorry for crossing the line with my sophomoric humor! Survive if I let you.

FTW
Taz"