UPDATE: Read the official statement from WWE.
Dean Ambrose is leaving WWE.
According to a new report from Wade Keller of PWTorch.com, who allegedly verified the story through three independent sources, Dean Ambrose will be finishing up with WWE when his contract expires in April. The 33-year-old star informed management, including Vince McMahon, of his decision to leave this weekend at the Royal Rumble.
Ambrose has been reportedly “frustrated with the creative direction of his character” for quite awhile now, and recently “reached a breaking point”. With his contract coming due he was recently offered a new deal that included a pay raise, but has opted not to renew as money isn’t the problem he has with sticking around.
The so-called “Lunatic Fringe” made his pro wrestling debut in 2004 using the ring name Jon Moxley working for promotions like CZW and Dragon Gate USA, before signing a WWE developmental contract in 2011. He wrestled in FCW and made the transition with the first class of NXT stars, before making his main roster debut with The Shield in November 2012.
During his six years with WWE he captured the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Intercontinental Championship three times, Raw Tag Team Championships two times, and the United States Champion, making him a Grand Slam Champion. He is also a former Money in the Bank briefcase winner.
With the birth of All Elite Wrestling and their substantial budget to get off the ground, the rise of other promotions such as Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling have created a unique wrestling climate where, for the first time in two decades, stars frustrated with their current position, wherever they may be employed, will have legitimate offers if they have the raw talent to back up their hype.
PWTorch.com