WWE announced the release of Eugene on Friday.

A statement posted on WWE.com read: "WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Eugene as of August 14, 2009. We wish Eugene the best in all future endeavors."

Some wrestling websites had reported that Nick Dinsmore, 33, the man behind the Eugene character, was taking up a full-time job with Florida Championship Wrestling - WWE's developmental group in Tampa.

However, SunSport can confirm that Dinsmore was fully released from his contract.

The Eugene character debuted in 2004 as the simpleton nephew of then-Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff.

Eugene enjoyed a memorable feud with Jonathon Coachman, who tried to banish him, only to be stopped by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. During a similar scenario at Wrestlemania 21, Hulk Hogan came to his rescue, against Muhammed Hassan and Daivari.

Dinsmore was suspended for a drug infraction in November 2005. He passed out in a hotel lobby during an overseas tour in Manchester and later admitted to using a large dose of muscle relaxers and pain pills.

Following a stay in rehab he returned in January 2006 and was mostly used as comic relief in backstage segments. In September 2007, Dinsmore was fired after failing a second drug test.

He signed back with the company in July and made his return to WWE TV on Raw this past Monday. He lost a Contract on a Pole match to The Calgary Kid. After his loss, The Kid removed his mask to reveal himself to be The Miz.