Ricky Ortiz released by WWE

Smackdown brand wrestler Ricky Ortiz has been released from World Wrestling Entertainment. Ortiz (real name Richard Young) had been assigned to Smackdown in this year's supplemental draft but made little impact on the brand. His final match was a half minute televised loss to The Great Khali.

Ortiz made a more notable impact back on the ECW brand under a motivational speaker persona, making constant affirmations for wrestlers and fans to "rally up." Ortiz carried a towel for his ring appearances which in turn became known as the rally towel.

Ortiz worked babyface (sort of) on ECW but turned into a heel (sort of) upon arrival to the Smackdown brand. After a decent opening outing against Jeff Hardy though, he was quickly put on the backburner, left to lose to other wrestlers until his eventual release.

The main problem with Ortiz in WWE was that the booking never really clarified whether fans were supposed to support or oppose him. Left in an untenable position, the only truly surprising thing about Ortiz's release is that it took place on a Saturday. Apparently, Friday evening releases just aren't obscure enough anymore.