More on the Release of 'Superstar' Billy Graham Inside

As reported earlier, World Wrestling Entertainment recently released "Superstar" Billy Graham from his contract in a cost-cutting measure. The Hall of Famer was collecting $2,000 per month from the company as a consultant.

As you would imagine, the former WWWF World Heavyweight Champion is upset over their decision to release him from his contract. Perhaps as retribution, he asked Georgiann Makropoulos of WrestlingFigs.com to post the letter WWE sent him two weeks ago informing him of his release from the company. You can see a scan of the letter at http://www.wrestlingfigs.com/

WWE is apparently claiming the rights to the "Superstar" Billy Graham name and his character's trademark likeness as the letter specifies that he is forever precluded from "using any names, likeness, costumes, props, gimmicks, gestures, routines, themes, personalities, or caricatures, which refer or relate to, or which are confusingly similar to those [he] used while bound by the contract."

They are also requesting that Graham return any property belonging to the company prior to the termination date of his contract, citing championship belts and costumes.

He is also informed that he is prohibited from appearing at any wrestling-related events through the termination date of his contract on July 19, 2009.

Not a nice way to treat a legend.

credit: wrestlingattitude.com

I didn't even know he was under contract with the company...