WWE has come to terms on the release of Adam Rose, who has been serving an indefinite suspension from the company since his May 11th arrest for alleged domestic battery and assault. WWE.com specifically notes that it was Rose who requested his release, and it was granted to him.
Rose (36) made his debut with former WWE developmental facility Florida Championship Wrestling in 2010, wrestling under his real name, Ray Leppan. He quickly came up with the ring name Leo Kruger, as a tribute to his heritage and former South African president Paul Kruger. His run in FCW was a successful one, eventually winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship in late 2011, defeating the wrestlers who would become Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose and Damien Sandow. He would go on to have successful title defenses against the likes of Seth Rollins, Tyler Breeze, and Roman Reigns.
Leppan was kept on as FCW transitioned into NXT, competing unsuccessfully in a tournament to crown the first ever NXT Champion. His gimmick was changed into something of a big game hunter and mercenary (similar to Kraven the Hunter from Spider-Man fame) late 2013. He was then taken off television and brought back as Adam Rose, the colorful “party animal” character who would tour around in his Exotic Express; a gimmick inspired by comedian and movie star Russel Brand.
While the character was fairly well-received in NXT, Rose did not garner the same reaction upon transition to the main roster in May of 2014. Rose mostly worked undercard Raw and Smackdown matches, and the occasional PPV pre-show or throwaway match. He saw several unresolved gimmick changes and programs, including multiple attempts to involve him in angles with the “Bunny” that appeared as a member of his Exotic Express, which all ultimately went nowhere. The final creative attempt was a faction called the Social Outcasts, which sided Rose with fellow directionless Superstars Heath Slater, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas.
In April 2016 Rose was suspended by WWE for 60 days for violating their Wellness Policy, although he insists that he did nothing wrong, even posting a note from his doctor that he was taken prescribed Adderall XR as a treatment for ADHD. His troubles worsened when arrested on May 11th on charges of domestic battery and assault, as well as tampering with a witness. WWE extended Rose’s suspension indefinitely.
