Austin Aries was released from WWE late yesterday afternoon, a news that caught many, if not everyone, by surprise.

“WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Austin Aries. WWE wishes Aries the best in all of his future endeavors,” a statement on WWE.COM read.

Dave Meltzer of the Observer reports that it was Aries himself who asked for his release with details surrounding his decision still unknown. It is believed that he was not happy being part of 205 Live only although those are just rumors.

Aries joined NXT in the beginning of 2016 and made his first televised appearance in March. After suffering an orbital socket injury later in the year, Aries joined the commentary booth doing color for 205 Live and Main Event. He eventually moved to 205 Live permanently from NXT when he was cleared to return and spent most of the year chasing the Cruiserweight title, a title he never managed to get his hands on.

His last WWE televised appearance was on the June 20 edition of 205 Live.