More Details On Max Dupri's Removal From Maximum Male Models On WWE Smackdown Revealed
Max Dupri appeared to be yet another victim of frantic booking changes, as he was suddenly dropped from the Maximum Male Models group on WWE SmackDown last week. His disappearance from television left many confused as to why, but recent details have revealed what caused the former LA Knight to be removed from the group.
Why Was Max Dupri Taken Off WWE SmackDown?
Reported in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), Dave Meltzer shared that the call to drop Dupri from the Maximum Male Models group was a call from Vince McMahon. McMahon was apparently displeased with one of the group's segments, blaming Dupri for his delivery of the lines, as well as being disappointed with the scripting too. Dupri earned a reputation as being a great promo during his pre-WWE days, and maintained that since joining the company in 2021, making his dismissal from the group all the more surprising.
Dupri had teased his sister would be joining the group, but as Maxxine Dupri appeared on SmackDown! last week, she appeared to replace him entirely. The role is played by NXT's Sofia Cromwell, called up to main roster to assume the position as Ma.ce and Man.soir's new manager. Her debut was brief, promising that the group's beachwear collection would be revealed on the following week's episode.
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What Happens To Max Dupri Now?
Meltzer's report doesn't have any details on what is planned for Max Dupri now. Obviously, with his initial removal from the Maximum Male Models a decision by Vince McMahon, any potential plans are now up in the air. Dupri had been signed to NXT during Triple H's time in control of the development brand, brought in as LA Knight before the brand's transformation into NXT 2.0. Having brought him into the company in the first place, and winning the Million Dollar Championship in NXT, Triple H might be much higher on Dupri than McMahon ever was.
The current situation now leaves Dupri in a very interesting spot, with his future dependent on what direction the new creative regime will want to use his talents. One option would be to revert McMahon's decision and have him rejoin the group, his absence just a small blip in the greater storyline. Alternatively, Dupri could end up returning to a character more in line with his NXT persona, breaking away entirely. The whole thing is one of many intriguing decisions to be made amidst this unprecedented moment in wrestling history.
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