Fans have seen some interesting WWE departures over the last few years, and yesterday it was reported that Cesaro had parted ways with the company.
Fightful Select reports that the immediate reaction to Cesaro leaving the company was disappointment and dismay from other people in WWE as Cesaro was one of the most universally liked people on the roster. His departure wasn’t a case of WWE not wanting him there. The former United States Champion was offered a new contract, but the offer was rejected.
Cesaro was on a one year contract extension, but he does not have a non-compete clause because the deal expired. Even though there were plans to use Cesaro on upcoming shows there were no long term creative plans for him. Cesaro lost his last 7 televised matches and there were no plans to push him because there was no indication that he would be signing a new deal.
It’s also being reported that Cesaro told people his deal was up in February, and he wasn’t sure if he would be sticking with WWE. People who spoke with Fightful noted that Cesaro said his goodbyes but didn’t necessarily provide a reason for his departure. However, others noted that there was “reasonable disappointment” with how he was used throughout his WWE run, and other factors such as things he was left off of and spots he didn’t fill.
WWE sources spoke highly of Cesaro’s professionalism in regards to how he handled his last match and how he finished up with the company. Another source said that there’s a possibility Cesaro could re-sign with WWE if he doesn’t end up elsewhere with others saying that it does not seem to be a “door completely closed” situation.
