Did WWE Fire Austin Aries?
Aries' hand may have been forced by writers.
Austin Aries may not have asked to be released from his WWE contract, according to the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer.
It had previously been speculated that Aries had requested his leave from the company after growing frustrated with a bit-part role in the lower-tier 205 Live division.
But Meltzer has suggested that the former ROH star could have been forced out, after becoming unpopular among the WWE writing staff, with whom he had locked horns over the direction of his character.
Speaking on WON Radio, Meltzer said: "I've actually been told that he did not ask [for his release] but he was thrilled that he got it."
Aries was said to have feared his career with WWE had reached a "dead end", having only been promoted to the main roster earlier this year following a brief stint on NXT.
In particular, the 39-year-old was reportedly unhappy that his WrestleMania match with Neville was not featured on the event's DVD, which will see him miss out on any potential royalties from its sales.
Aries now faces a 90-day cool-off period in which he can only make wrestling appearances approved by WWE, meaning he probably won't be able to sign for any major promotions until October.