WALTMAN ISSUES STATEMENT
Aug. 15 Sean Waltman, known in the WWF as 1-2-3 Kid, issued a statement on Prodigy regarding his status with WCW and the WWF. He had been the subject of many rumors and clearly wanted his side of the story known.
“Hello. I just want to say a few things and then I will go. I had a meeting with Vince McMahon at which time he offered me an early release from my contract if I didn’t want to come back to work for Titan. I asked for my release. I was sent two different versions of this release. Both were very restrictive in not wanting me to look like the 1-2-3 Kid or do any of the routines or moves that 1-2-3 does.
“I cannot help the way I look. God made me look like this (should I thank Him or be mad?). Anyway, Lightning Kid was created 9 years ago in Florida. It is clear to me that the WWF is not recognizing my past prior to my stay there. It is the opinion of some that I am perhaps bait for some sort of trap, to add strength to their lawsuit. I know that a lot of people on here think very little of me lately, but I hope that when I am finally able to appear and be utilized to my potential that some will change their minds. It’s kind of funny how I can sit back anonymously and read so much negative stuff about me, some of which is probably deserved, but there is so much that the average person could not understand.
“I was under the impression per my conversation with Vince that there would be no hard feelings; I don’t know if I believe that or not now. The time was right to make some statements. I don’t know how much I can really talk about legally, but I just want people to know my hands are tied.”
Waltman has not been granted his release by the WWF, but was told in the meeting with McMahon if he felt he would be better off in WCW, he wouldn’t stand in his way and would give him an early release. Now, according to Waltman’s statement, it sounds as if the WWF is offering highly restrictive releases that would allow him to join WCW, but not without agreeing to drop his look and ring style. WCW sources say they are still committed to bringing him in, but their lawyers are looking over the situation to see where their liabilities lie. Waltman’s contract with the WWF, should he not agree to a restrictive release and should the WWF not back down on their restrictions, would expire in April 1997.
