Tye Dillinger Requests WWE Release
'Perfect 10' confirms impending exit...
WWE SmackDown Live Superstar Tye Dillinger has requested his release from WWE after five years back with the organisation. Dillinger (real name Ronnie Arneill) confirmed the story on his own Twitter account, breaking the news shortly after last night's post-Elimination Chamber edition of the show had concluded.
In an extended statement seemingly directed at fans, colleagues and possibly other potential employers, 'The Perfect' 10 graciously thanked those top-to-bottom within WWE for his experiences since returning to the promotion in 2013.
Noting that he wished to get the details out "before rumours start to spread", he commented that whilst the decision is "extremely difficult" it's "what is best for myself and WWE. 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".
Dillinger hasn't wrestled on SmackDown Live since a September 2018 United States Title clash with Shinsuke Nakamura went to a no contest following interference from Randy Orton. Despite 'The Viper' brutalising him in the aftermath, the pair never feuded on television in the aftermath.
He spent the remainder of his tenure looking at the house show lights for Harper, Aiden English, Shelton Benjamin and EC3, amidst rumours of a potential exit before his confirmation.
Starting his career in 2002, Dillinger was in the WWE system as early as 2006, bounding from Ohio Valley Wrestling to Florida Championship Wrestling and finally the rebooted ECW before an original 2009 release.
A WWE exit is rare in 2019 unless triggered by the talent themselves, and though his amicable parting shot presumably leaves a third return on the table, the news will naturally stir speculation that a new beginning with All Elite Wrestling beckons.