Tye Dillinger has announced that he is seeking a release from the WWE and has put in a request to be let go by the promotion.
The 38-year-old made the announcement via both Instagram and Twitter during the wee hours of Wednesday morning, just after his birthday ended.
"Before rumors begin to spread, let me set things straight ahead of time," he wrote. "This evening, I requested my release from WWE.
"In the past 5 and a half years with them, I have seen and done some wonderful things. Things that I am proud of and will never forget. I have met and worked with unquestionably, some of the greatest talents on this earth and the pleasure has been all mine."
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Dillinger admitted that the decision was a difficult one but he feels it's best for both himself and the company. He did not reveal whether or not the release has been granted.
"I feel at this time this decision, as extremely difficult as it was, is what is best for myself and WWE," he added. "I wish to continue to grow as a performer and offer those paying hard earned money to watch a show I'm performing on, a little more of myself.
"To the male and female locker rooms, coaches and producers, to the production/ring crew, all the way up to the very top of WWE and most of all the fans… l wish you all the very best and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything."
What This Means
Dillinger, named Ronnie Arniell, signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2006 and had a brief run on the main roster from 2008-2009. He left the company, spending time with ECW, as well as on the indie circuit' before returning in 2013 and joining NXT.
His main roster debut as Dillinger came in the 2017 Royal Rumble but things never really materialized the way everyone thought they would and he's now looking to put the WWE behind him.
There will be speculation regarding AEW if the WWE does grant him the release, with Cody Rhodes having sent him some kind words following his revelation on Wednesday.