More on Cesaro’s Departure from WWE

As noted before, Cesaro’s contract with WWE recently expired and is currently a free agent.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Cesaro was not originally planning on leaving WWE but made the decision to do so after contract talks with WWE officials stalled. The main reason reportedly was due to him not liking the offer that was given for him to remain in the company. Cesaro reportedly also made his decision to leave despite not having any backdoor offers from AEW.

Meltzer reported that the current belief is that WWE was not willing to offer Cesaro a big monetary deal similar in value to what Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and AJ Styles recently received for their contract extensions.

In regards to AEW, Melzter reported that his sources stated that they have not heard of any recent talks or interest within the company over the idea of potentially signing him.

In regards to WWE, Fightful Select reported that the general feeling within the company was one of disappointment and dismay over his departure. Those spoken to stated that Cesaro was one of the most universally liked talent within the company.

Fightful Select also reported that their sources stated that while there had been some plans to use him for upcoming shows, WWE’s creative team did not have any real long term plans for him. One source spoken to stated that this was not the first time WWE pulled their plans for Cesaro since a similar incident happened during his contract extension talks last year, which led to his removal from a top contender’s Gauntlet match because he did not sign a new deal at the time.