According to PWInsider.com, the decision made by Ted DiBiase, Jr. to leave WWE was due to him realizing that he was a bottom-of-the-ladder talent that was on the road with the company every week but was not being booked. DiBiase had reportedly been discussing his plan to leave with other co-workers as of late, and he felt that if he left on his own, WWE might respect him more and if something opens up for him down the line he could return to the company.

The backstage reaction to his decision to leave came as no surprise to most WWE officials, and indifference to his announcement was the general backstage feeling by higher ups in the company.