What Happened to William Morrissey?
William Morrissey, known professionally as Big Cass, W. Morrissey, and Big Bill, is an American professional wrestler who gained prominence in WWE. After his initial WWE release in 2018 due to personal conduct issues and subsequent struggles with mental health and alcoholism, he rebuilt his career in Impact Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling, even becoming an AEW World Tag Team Champion. As of July 2026, Morrissey has re-signed with WWE and made his return to the Raw brand as Big Cass in August 2026.
Quick Answer
William Morrissey, formerly known as Big Cass in WWE, W. Morrissey in Impact Wrestling, and Big Bill in AEW, has recently returned to WWE. After being released from WWE in 2018 due to personal conduct issues and battling mental health and substance abuse, he successfully revitalized his career in other promotions. He became an AEW World Tag Team Champion with Ricky Starks before departing AEW in July 2026 and subsequently re-signing with WWE. He made his on-screen return to WWE's Raw brand as Big Cass on August 3, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Signs with WWE Developmental
William Morrissey signs with WWE's developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), debuting as Colin Cassady.
Forms Tag Team with Enzo Amore
Morrissey, as Colin Cassady, forms a popular tag team with Enzo Amore in NXT, gaining significant fan following.
Main Roster Debut as Big Cass
Enzo Amore and Big Cass debut on WWE's main roster, quickly becoming one of the most popular acts.
Released by WWE
WWE announces the release of William Morrissey (Big Cass) due to personal conduct issues, including excessive drinking and insubordination.
Suffers Seizure, Enters Recovery
Morrissey suffers a seizure, which he later cites as a wake-up call to address his struggles with alcoholism and mental health.
Opens Up About Mental Health and Alcoholism
Morrissey, now known as CaZXL, publicly discusses his battles with depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse, crediting DDP Yoga for his recovery.
Debuts in Impact Wrestling as W. Morrissey
Morrissey makes his debut for Impact Wrestling, adopting the ring name W. Morrissey, marking a significant step in his career resurgence.
Debuts in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Morrissey debuts in AEW as MJF's mystery opponent for Wardlow on Dynamite. He later signs a full-time contract in August 2022 and changes his name to Big Bill.
Wins AEW World Tag Team Championship
As Big Bill, he teams with Ricky Starks to defeat FTR and win the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Marries Lexy Nair
William Morrissey marries AEW interviewer Lexy Nair in Mexico.
Departs AEW and Re-signs with WWE
Morrissey's contract with AEW expires, and he subsequently signs a deal to return to WWE.
Returns to WWE Raw as Big Cass
William Morrissey makes his official return to WWE on the Raw brand, reprising his Big Cass persona and attacking Je'Von Evans.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
William Morrissey, born August 16, 1986, first rose to prominence in WWE under the ring name Big Cass, primarily as part of a popular tag team with Enzo Amore. Their charismatic duo was a significant draw in NXT and on the main roster. However, Morrissey's initial run with WWE came to an abrupt end in June 2018. Reports indicated his release was due to a series of personal conduct issues, including excessive drinking during a European tour and insubordination, such as disobeying orders from Vince McMahon during a segment on SmackDown.
Following his WWE departure, Morrissey publicly addressed his struggles with mental health, including depression and anxiety, and alcoholism. He revealed that a seizure he suffered in late 2018 served as a significant wake-up call, prompting him to seek help and focus on his recovery. During this period, he wrestled on the independent circuit under the name CaZXL, occasionally reuniting with Enzo Amore.
Morrissey began a significant career resurgence in April 2021, debuting in Impact Wrestling as W. Morrissey. His time in Impact allowed him to showcase his abilities and rebuild his reputation. This led to his debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in May 2022, initially as W. Morrissey, before signing a full-time contract in August 2022 and adopting the ring name Big Bill. In AEW, he was a member of Stokely Hathaway's stable, The Firm, and later formed a successful tag team with Ricky Starks, with whom he captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
A key turning point in his personal life occurred in December 2024 when he married AEW interviewer Lexy Nair, the stepdaughter of wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page, who had previously supported Morrissey during his recovery. Morrissey's contract with AEW expired in July 2026, leading to his departure from the company.
Immediately after leaving AEW, William Morrissey re-signed with WWE in July 2026. Vignettes teasing his return began airing on Raw, culminating in his on-screen comeback as Big Cass on the August 3, 2026, episode of Raw, where he attacked Je'Von Evans, establishing himself as a heel. This return marks a significant chapter in his career, highlighting a journey of redemption and a second chance with the promotion where he first made his name.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if William Morrissey made different choices?