Big update on Cesaro leaving WWE
Added 2022-02-24 20:53:16 +0000 UTCCesaro has left WWE.
Just one year after reports emerged that Cesaro was signing a new deal with WWE, he's gone from the company. Fightful Select confirmed PWInsider's report with WWE and fellow talent on the roster.
The immediate reaction from those within the company was disappointment and dismay, as Cesaro has been one of the most universally liked talent on the roster. We're told this was not a case of WWE not wanting him there. In fact, he was offered a new contract, in which WWE sources claim was rejected.
WWE confirmed to Fightful that Cesaro was on a one year extension, and as a result of it expiring, there is no non-compete clause.
There were plans to use Cesaro on upcoming shows, but that is no longer the case. We were told that at the time of the departure, there had been no long term creative plans for Cesaro, and that unless a new deal was reached, that would remain the case. Cesaro had lost his last seven televised matches dating all the way back to November, and we're told there was no indication he was going to re-sign, and therefore no incentive to push him accordingly.
One source indicated this wasn't the first time this had happened, as they recalled contract negotiations just last year that caused Cesaro to be pulled from a top contender gauntlet match because he hadn't signed.
UPDATE: In the hours following this move, we've learned a lot more about it. As far back as October, Cesaro had mentioned to members of the roster that his deal was coming up in February, and wasn't sure if he'd be hanging around. There were several that we spoke to that were surprised he got a one year extension as opposed to the standard re-signing length.
Others we spoke to mentioned that they said their goodbyes, and said that he didn't necessarily provide a reason as to why he was wrapping up. However, other sources indicated "reasonable disappointment" on his part with how he was used, things he was left off of, and spots he didn't fill. WWE sources that we heard back from spoke highly of Cesaro's professionalism in handling his last match and finishing up with the company.
Another said that until he ends up elsewhere, there's always a possibility he could be re-signed. We were told by numerous people within WWE that it didn't appear to be a "door completely closed" or a burned bridge.
Comments
In the article fella lol
Fightful Select
2022-02-25 20:24:47 +0000 UTCDoes the contract expiration mean there is no 90 day non-compete?
Logan Hollingsworth
2022-02-25 20:23:09 +0000 UTCWould love to see him go to NJPW or be the top guy in Impact.
Damian Bushay
2022-02-25 12:54:21 +0000 UTCI really hope he signs with impact
Andrew see
2022-02-25 10:55:53 +0000 UTCIf you can't use him, you probably shouldn't be doing this. Glad he has his options open... Would be weird to see him elsewhere, but there is so much there.
2022-02-25 09:45:28 +0000 UTCCould this be Tony's big announcement that he had to wait to announce? Maybe he jumped the gun and needed to wait a day or two before He was signed?
Ralph Cody
2022-02-25 08:47:24 +0000 UTCInteresting
2022-02-25 08:24:50 +0000 UTCHe instantly boasts any roster he's added to. I think we'll be seeing a much different Claudio than before. I was always complexed how he was kind of awful delivering promos in WWE but was very likeable and charismatic on Upupdowndown. Despite not giving much promos or being good at them, he always connects with the audience and I'll never understand why WWE doesn't push people who connect with the audience.
Doogie
2022-02-25 03:04:05 +0000 UTCI'm glad he seemingly isn't getting the "hard to work with" tag from HR.
Dirty Jose
2022-02-25 01:47:45 +0000 UTCWould love to see him join Danielson’s stable.
Travis Selvidge
2022-02-25 01:45:46 +0000 UTCI hope he turns out on aew sooner rather than later but more importantly he goes where he stays happy putting his craft on display
2022-02-25 01:05:35 +0000 UTCPull him from top programs… make him look like a jobber in his last 7 matches. That will make him have faith in staying!!!
Adam Deutsch
2022-02-24 23:03:40 +0000 UTCSubscribed a few days ago.. glad I did!
2022-02-24 22:42:04 +0000 UTCCLAUDIO to AEW CONFIRMED
NoLifer445
2022-02-24 22:41:36 +0000 UTCI hope where ever he lands, I hope the dude gets a fat paycheck and a little more respect.
Tom_Videogre
2022-02-24 22:05:13 +0000 UTCSeven WWE Andre the Giant Battle Royals and the two winners who are still with the company are Baron Corbin and Jey Uso. Yikes.
Randall Buchanan
2022-02-24 21:41:09 +0000 UTCAlways loved his style, he'll be great wherever he goes. And he can probably go wherever he wants.
Ben Williams
2022-02-24 21:20:29 +0000 UTCThat's what I'm hoping for
Nick Hawkins
2022-02-24 21:18:30 +0000 UTCBetween Brian Cage and now Cesaro/Claudio, it's been a surprising day of contract news.
Kim Cee
2022-02-24 21:16:39 +0000 UTCCould really see him in that group/faction Danielson keeps teasing.
Kieran Smith
2022-02-24 21:14:07 +0000 UTCIt probably won't happen, but putting him in the Face of the Revolution Ladder match where he could literally grab the Brass Ring would be...something.
David Feig
2022-02-24 21:13:40 +0000 UTCWow
Amber
2022-02-24 21:06:40 +0000 UTCWould love for him to have one more major indie run before he hangs it up, guy is immensely talented.
John Lopes
2022-02-24 21:01:41 +0000 UTCWe lost Cody We got Murphy Swerve Lee And possibly Cesaro? Fine by me
Jake, Horror Show Game Contestant
2022-02-24 21:00:24 +0000 UTCI AM SO HAPPY TO SEE CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI AGAIN. Oh my god.
BusyBrody
2022-02-24 20:59:56 +0000 UTCHoly SHIT THIS IS WHY WE SUBSCRIBE PEOPLE
UntoldUnknown
2022-02-24 20:59:25 +0000 UTCLet him go to NJPW. Please god.
2022-02-24 20:58:34 +0000 UTCI am so so so excited to see Claudio go full tilt in AEW. He’s been indoctrinated for so long in their system I think a lot of people genuinely have forgotten how fucking AWESOME he is at pro wrestling. Will be a pleasure to watch Double C go again.
David Pick
2022-02-24 20:58:08 +0000 UTCAlthough he’s talented we hardly see him on TV any more so if this wasn’t reported we wouldn’t even know he left
Daniel Lee
2022-02-24 20:57:44 +0000 UTCCaesaro to AEW confirmed!!
Raymond Slover
2022-02-24 20:57:36 +0000 UTC!!!!!
Bryant Heath
2022-02-24 20:57:19 +0000 UTCLet’s play spot the racist
NickAce432
2022-02-24 20:57:13 +0000 UTCWild
Elaquent
2022-02-24 20:56:11 +0000 UTCAnother boring white guy with no charisma for AEW to sign
Glockaveli
2022-02-24 20:55:48 +0000 UTCWHAT IS CLAUDIO ANTONINO DOING IN THE IMPACT ZONE?
Alexis
2022-02-24 20:55:41 +0000 UTCMy head exploded with excitement
Bridgette hulett
2022-02-24 20:55:35 +0000 UTCHope the big man is happy.
Curtis Hinkle
2022-02-24 20:55:30 +0000 UTCSounds like we are getting a Cody for Claudio trade
Vin Pensabene
2022-02-24 20:55:30 +0000 UTCFind Chris Hero and bring back the Kings of Wrestling please and thank you.
Andrew Dillard
2022-02-24 20:55:26 +0000 UTCOMG 😱 the match possibilities In AEW
Andrew Bates
2022-02-24 20:54:51 +0000 UTCClaudio Castagnoli is ALL ELITE
kidfavre4
2022-02-24 20:54:17 +0000 UTC
