WWE released a list of talent in September, and their 90-day non-compete clauses ended on December 21st. Top Dolla, who is now going as AJ Francis once again, was part of those cuts. The former Hit Row member didn’t waste any time getting himself back out there.
Top Dolla’s First Post WWE Appearance
AJ Francis, formerly recognized as Top Dolla during his stint in WWE, made his presence felt following his WWE release. Without prior announcement, Francis emerged at the GCW Holiday Special on December 21st.
The former Top Dolla jumped in the ring while wearing a mask, where he proceeded to assault Joey Janela. This added an element of surprise to the event, and fans popped when Francis revealed his identity under that mask.
The GCW appearance suggests that AJ Francis is making a promising start in Game Changer Wrestling, which may begin a new chapter in his post-WWE journey.
? @AJFrancis410 has arrived at #GCWHoliday to attack Joey Janela and let him know he's a bad man!
LIVE ONLY on #TrillerTVplus ?? https://t.co/nvDKNilpzz pic.twitter.com/oEjv0sNuKm
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) December 22, 2023
Hit Row Status After Top Dolla’s WWE Release
There were stories about backstage heat on Top Dolla while he was with WWE. It seems like he is leaving that talk in the past, because he has already dismissed those reports, and now he’s onto the chapter of his career.
Despite Top Dolla’s release, B-Fab still harbors hope that a Hit Row reunion is in the cards. WWE teased B-Fab and Ashantee Thee Adonis joining Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits’ new faction, but nothing has come of that yet.
The list of WWE Superstars who just became free agents is quite extensive, and some of those names could find success in another company. That list includes Mustafa Ali, Aliyah, Shelton Benjamin, Rick Boogs, Emma, Dana Brooke, Dabbo-Kato, Elias, Quincy Elliot, Mace, Mansoor, Riddick Moss, Matt Riddle, Shanky, Top Dolla, and Dolph Ziggler.