It was only sixteen months ago that former TNA and ROH World Champion, Austin Aries, debuted in NXT. Diehard fans jumped for joy. “A-Double” is a top tier athlete. He was long overdue for the chance to ply his trade on the biggest stage of them all. When he got called up from NXT to the main WWE roster, many expected big things from the superstar. But when he showed up on 205 Live, I knew it would only be a matter of time before the inevitable came to pass, Austin Aries and WWE have mutually parted ways.
As reported by WrestleZone, Aries requested his release due to frustration with being pigeonholed as a Cruiserweight. He felt he was destined for bigger and better things than his role on 205 Live. Other sources have stated that Aries’ backstage attitude made it easy for WWE to grant him his release. “He was his own worst enemy politically” is what Justin LaBar at WrestleZone stated was told to him by an inside source. With his time with World Wrestling Entertainment at an end, where does he go from here?
Aries has many options at this point. I’m sure Gedo would go out of his way to sign him to New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, with nagging leg and neck injuries he’s rumored to have, I don’t know if fighting “strong style” is wise right about now. A return to Ring of Honor is also an option, but not as likely. He needs to mend some burned bridges before he returned there. Lucha Underground has been a promotion that has seemingly caused talent to leave in droves, so it would likely take a lot for Aries to commit to a contract to work there. Global Force Wrestling (formerly TNA) might be the best bet. Aries had a long run with great success there. It’s not a hectic schedule, nor is it a style that will put extra wear and tear on Aries’ body.
Whatever Austin Aries decides, we wish him the best. He most assuredly deserved better than the push he received in World Wrestling Entertainment. Hopefully, the people behind the production, writing and booking of 205 Live get their act together before wrestlers start leaving there en masse.
