Ex-WWE couple left with no explanation hours before a show, Stevie Richards recalls

Stevie Richards wrestled for WWE between 1999 and 2008. In a recent YouTube video, the former Right to Censor leader recalled how Jerry Lawler and The Kat refused to discuss their abrupt departure.

In February 2001, The Kat received her release from WWE shortly after her character joined the Right to Censor faction. Lawler, The Kat's then-husband, quit his job as a WWE commentator and wrestler in protest.

On The Stevie Richards Show, Richards said there was a "heavy atmosphere" when he saw the former couple backstage on the day of a SmackDown taping. He questioned where they were going but did not receive a response.

"Then I remember them just leaving," Richards said. "He had his briefcase, she was upset. We were supposed to do something that night as far as I understood. Obviously, Stacy [The Kat] was supposed to be part of the group. I was like, 'Where are you guys going?' and no answer, just right out the door." [5:45 – 6:01]

Lawler returned to WWE in November 2001 after his relationship with The Kat ended.

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Stevie Richards' theory on The Kat's sudden WWE exit

Although he later became friends with The Kat, Stevie Richards has never found out the real reason why she left WWE while appearing in a storyline.

The former Hardcore Champion speculated that she might have disagreed with the direction of her character:

"It was a mystery why," Richards continued. "I do know that there was some creative stuff going on. Maybe she didn't wanna be part of Right to Censor. [Maybe] Jerry didn't want her in there. I'm purely speculating. But whatever was going on, she was not happy with." [6:23 – 6:37]

In 2023, Lawler's former WWE commentary partner Jim Ross said The Kat was let go due to a perceived attitude problem. On reflection, he felt WWE's then-Chairman Vince McMahon should have sent her home rather than fired her.

What do you make of WWE's treatment of The Kat? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit The Stevie Richards Show and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.