In a surprise of sorts, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) let go of one of its longest tenured ring-side announcers in Justin Roberts. Roberts was just on hand commentating on the RAW match and was even photographed with Evander Holyfield in Atlanta where the event was held. In a statement released in its website, the organization confirmed the release of Roberts but did not expound on the reasons behind the move.

"WWE has chosen to not exercise its option to renew ring announcer Justin Roberts' contract," WWE said in the statement. "Effective immediately, Roberts is released from WWE.WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors."

The 34-year-old started announcing in 2002 and was promoted to doing main events for the outfit in 2009 and has proclaimed in an interview in 2013 that he is passionate about wrestling. The WWE had made some changes in the lineup in the past including letting go of Josh Matthews, but this development rocked the wrestling world given that Roberts is well liked in the wrestling circles. Also, many fans were shocked with the development including former ringside announcer Jim Ross who gave his take on the news through twitter.

"@Cliffski21: @tellitB @JRsBBQ But J.R is not over. He will be back." Damn right..somewhere on my terms.

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 14, 2014

Some fans were speculating that the reason for his abrupt release just hours after Monday Night RAW ended was due to a verbal altercation with Michael Cole during the Dolph Ziggler versus Randy Orton match. The WWE would not confirm any of these, but as it stands it is already looking at the alternatives for the replacement of Roberts.

The most likely of the bunch would be SmackDown announcer Lilian Garcia who will be elevated from her duties to do RAW. Eden, the wife of Stardust, could also move-up from low-key matches to doing SmackDown if Garcia moves up. There is also a possibility that limited-used Tony Chimel can be tapped to do more matches. While the WWE has been mum on its plans, it is obvious that it will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Roberts.