I'll state my personal thoughts in a sec but just looking at it objectionably I'm baffled at how Tony is handling this. I wonder if he just thinks he can't correct course and has to stick with it bc if the goal is "put Ricky on ice so he's less hot when he leaves bc you know he's gonna leave" well the wrestling media has made sure he's going to come into WWE hotter the longer he's not used. You don't have to spend time or effort in getting Ricky over to use him to get others over, I refuse to believe these people can actually refuse appearances and if they are that's breach of contract and do something.
Now, personally. I've said forever if these guys aren't asking for their release that I don't care if Tony doesn't use them, if they're happy to be paid and sit at home then I'm happy for them, that my dream. That was my exact same philosophy with WWE and Vince, people would be like "ugh just release Shinsuke" for example and I'm like whoa, I don't like how he's used either but if dude is happy that's crazy to wish. But once they do ask for it, I don't think you're obligated to grant it, but I do think you should use them. Maybe it's selfish as a fan and not looking at it from a "business POV" but if a guy isn't happy to not be used them I'm no longer happy for it either, it's as simple as that and does not change from company to company, it changes from wrestler to wrestler