WWE: Kiwi wrestler Travis Banks reportedly released after accusations of manipulation following 'vile' relationship

Travis Banks.
Travis Banks. Photo credit: WWE

Kiwi pro wrestler Travis Banks has been released by the WWE amid accusations of emotional abuse, according to reports. 

Last week, Banks - whose real name is Travis Bligh - was accused of emotional abuse during a relationship with fellow pro wrestler Millie McKenzie three years ago when she was 17. 

McKenzie claims Banks "abused his position of power" and the relationship had "a massive effect on my mental health and self confidence."

The hashtag #SpeakingOut has been trending on Twitter, as female competitors shared their experiences of sexual assault and harassment.

Now multiple outlets, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated, are reporting the WWE has cut ties with Banks and other wrestlers. 

Banks' profile has also been removed from WWE's official website. When trying to access his page, it reads "access denied and "you are not authorized to access this page."

The 33-year-old from Palmerston North released a statement after the initial allegations from McKenzie last week and has refused to make any further comment. 

"Millie was a trainee of mine at Fight Club: Pro. She was also a close personal friend," he said on Twitter. 

"We would be at shows together, attend the same social events, travel together and hang out at the wrestlers' house where I was living. It was through this friendship a consensual relationship was formed.

"The relationship broke down between both parties and it ended. After it ended we agreed to talk it out. We apologised to each other for any individual actions behind the relationship breakdown. 

"After seeing these comments, I can only repeat my apology. I am truly sorry for any pain caused by the relationship."

Banks' release follows Jack Gallagher and El Ligero, who were also namechecked on Twitter.

Gallagher has yet to respond publicly to the allegations, while El Ligero denied any assault allegations but did admit to mistreating women in his past. 

American National Wrestling Alliance vice president Dave Lagana resigned from his position after allegations were made against him, while fellow WWE NXT stars Jordan Devlin, Joe Coffey and Tyler Bate were also accused of harassment. 

WWE has yet to make a formal announcement on the releases of Banks, but last week told Newshub it takes "any allegation of this nature very seriously."