Two new names reportedly started as WWE producers on a tryout basis starting with tonight’s SmackDown.

Fightful Select reported tonight that Joe Hennig, also known as Curtis Axel, and Ariya Daivari were both backstage working as producers. Hennig reportedly was involved in helping produce the Sasha Banks vs. Liv Morgan match under Tyson Kidd, while Daivari helped produce the Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn match under Abyss.

Both are former WWE wrestlers that were released in the last two years. Hennig, son of Curt Hennig, is a former Intercontinental Champion that was cut back in April of 2020. He has not wrestled since being released from the company. Prior to being released, he was part of a tag team known as The B-Team with Bo Dallas.

Daivari, who signed with WWE in 2016 and mainly wrestled on NXT and 205 Live, was released back in July of last year. He has made appearances for AEW and New Japan Strong since being released.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
'Baaaadd man' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lifts Thunder to commanding Game 2 win
Golden Knights heading home up 2-0 on Stars
Watch: Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sets new playoff high
Chargers reportedly targeting this former Jim Harbaugh player in draft
Brad Marchand gets winner as Bruins beat Leafs to go up 2-1 in series
Heat play 'Herro ball' to stun Celtics in Game 2
Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list
Timberwolves C overcomes long odds, wins Sixth Man of the Year
Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins
Cavaliers forward to miss rest of first-round series
Latest report provides hint on Cowboys' feelings about Ezekiel Elliott reunion
Three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher requests a trade from the Bengals
Commanders suddenly cut pass-rusher after NFL reinstatement
Watch: Pirates prospect Paul Skenes' remarkable streak ends
Cowboys make unsurprising move with Micah Parsons
Blue Jays OF placed on injured list due to hip inflammation
Jayden Daniels addresses if he'd play for Commanders
Guardians top pitching prospect shut down after setback
Lions agree to record-setting extension with OT
Sharks fire head coach David Quinn after two seasons

Want more Wrestling news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.