Update on Neville’s Departure From WWE

As previously reported, Neville seemingly quit WWE earlier this month.

Sports Illustrated‘s Justin Barrasso is reporting that Neville has been “miserable” in WWE since January, with some saying his walkout occurred nine months later than expected. Neville also reportedly grew increasingly frustrated with how WWE handled the Cruiserweight championship match at WrestleMania 33, upset that the match was bumped off the main card and later omitted from the DVD release of the event, thus exempting him from any DVD sale royalties.

Neville was also upset with the general lack of direction for his career in WWE even while Cruiserweight champion, with the apparent final straw being the storyline with Enzo. Neville felt he was only seen in WWE as “nothing more than a very talented ‘get-over guy’ used to enhance other talent.”

Barrasso also stated that Neville grew tired of the hectic WWE schedule.

Austin Aries’ departure due to similar reasons also likely influenced Neville’s decision. Aries recently claimed that he was going to make more money in the indies in the next six weeks than he made in his last four months in WWE.

While Neville’s contract doesn’t officially expire for another nine months, WWE was already assuming he wouldn’t re-sign but were caught off guard with his sudden departure. It remains to be seen if WWE will allow him out of his contract or if they’ll force him to remain signed throughout in order to keep him away from potentially going to Ring of Honor or New Japan.