Reflecting on the Career Path of Brian Myers: From WWE Releases to Wrestling Longevity

In the professional wrestling world, the trajectory of a performer’s career is rarely a straight line. For Brian Myers, known to many fans as Curt Hawkins, the journey through the WWE landscape was marked by both high-profile opportunities and periods of uncertainty. In a recent appearance on the Insight With Chris Van Vliet podcast, Myers opened up about the evolution of his ring name and his perspective on his initial departure from the company.

The Evolution of the ‘Curt Hawkins’ Persona

The creation of the “Curt Hawkins” name was a product of rapid, behind-the-scenes adjustments. Myers explained that during his early days as part of a tag team with Matt Cardona (then known as Brett Majors), the duo faced sudden pressure to rebrand. Initially, they were presented as the Majors brothers, but as they became aligned with Edge, the creative direction shifted toward a more distinct, individual identity.

Myers shared that the name was partially inspired by a wrestling legend. “Curt Hawkins is from Curt Hennig, one of my favorite wrestlers of all time,” Myers noted. The process involved brainstorming various ideas, including potential rock-star-themed names, before the company settled on a more grounded, believable approach. Myers also pointed out that his physical resemblance to Taylor Hawkins—coupled with his association with the “Rated R” persona of Edge—influenced the final selection.

Finding Clarity in a WWE Release

While many performers view a release from a major promotion as a setback, Myers described his first WWE departure in 2014 as a positive turning point. Having spent nearly a year and a half with limited television time, Myers admitted to feeling frustrated and disconnected from the industry he loved.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” Myers said regarding his initial release. He explained that the lack of participation had led him to start his own wrestling school, a venture that provided him with a sense of purpose while he was sidelined. Rather than viewing the end of his contract as a failure, he embraced the freedom to return to independent promotions in New Jersey immediately. For Myers, the experience was less about the loss of a spot and more about the necessity of staying active in the ring.

Key Takeaways from Myers’ Career Reflections

• Creative Fluidity: The “Curt Hawkins” name was chosen to honor Curt Hennig, moving away from initial, less-believable creative pitches.
• Independence as a Foundation: Myers utilized his time away from major television to establish a wrestling school, ensuring he remained involved in the sport.
• Perspective on Success: Myers views his career not through the lens of a single company, but through his ability to consistently perform and evolve, regardless of his promotional status.

Looking Forward

Brian Myers’ career has spanned multiple eras of professional wrestling, characterized by his ability to adapt to changing creative demands. By focusing on his craft and maintaining a presence in the wrestling community, he has managed to build a career that extends far beyond his time in any single organization. His reflections serve as a reminder that for many athletes, the most significant growth often occurs during the periods when the spotlight is turned away.