WWE News: Tye Dillinger Asks for WWE Release, Issues Statement on Social Media
Tye Dillinger, who is part of WWE’s Smackdown brand, posted on Twitter and Instagram that he has asked for his release from WWE. Based on the way the tweet is written, it appears as though his release was granted and he’ll be leaving the company. There are also several wrestlers tweeting thanks to him. Here’s what he wrote:
“Before rumors begin to spread, let me set things straight ahead of time:
This evening, I requested my release from WWE. In the past 5 and a half years with them, I have seen and done some wonderful things. Things that I am very proud of and will never forget. I have met and have worked with unquestionably, some of the greatest talent on this earth and the pleasure has been all mine.
I feel at this time this decision, as extremely difficult as it was, is 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. To the male and female locker rooms, coaches and producers, to the production/ring crew, all the way up to the very top of WWE and most of all the fans…l wish you all the very best and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.”
You can see the tweet and his message below that was also posted on Instagram.
— Shawn Spears™️ (@ShawnSpears) February 20, 2019
It was also Dillinger’s birthday on Tuesday. He turned 38 years old. Dillinger’s first run in WWE lasted from 2006 to 2009 when he used the name Gavin (or Shawn) Spears. In 2013, he returned to WWE, was named Tye Dillinger, he was eventually given the “Perfect Ten” that led to some success in the NXT brand. When he got to the main roster, he just couldn’t find a consistent role in the company.
Dillinger’s been dating Peyton Royce for several years. Judging by the ring on her finger and in her birthday post to him, they are most likely engaged as well. It would be a surprise if she were to ask for her release as well.
TJR Thoughts: Dillinger was out from October 2018 to early February 2019 with a hand injury, recently got cleared and hasn’t done much on the Smackdown brand since he’s been on it. It’s tough to use everybody and find a featured role that will make everybody happy.
The obvious speculation for Dillinger will be All Elite Wrestling because they are a growing roster that pays well and is looking for talent. Plus, I can recall stories from him about being close with Cody Rhodes because they started in WWE developmental together in the mid-2000s as a tag team. Most WWE releases have a 90-day no compete clause in their contracts. The first major AEW show is May 25, which just so happens to be a little over 90 days away. I’m just saying it’s possible.