Last Friday, Austin Aries was released from the WWE.
Since then, there's been speculation on whether he asked for his release (Fightful was told that he was) or whether it was initiated by the company (as has been reported elsewhere). There have even been stories about how he was not well-liked among the other Cruiserweights and that he had openly asked to move on from the Cruiserweight Divsion, since he thought there was nowhere for him to go after repeated losses to champion Neville.
But until now, we hadn't heard anything from the man himself.
Then today he Tweeted out this statement.
I'd like to thank WWE for the opportunity to perform for the amazing fans of the WWE Universe. I'd also like to thank the extremely talented and hard working people of WWE, (with) whom I had the pleasure to work, both in front of and behind the camera. I wish them continued health, happiness, and success as I move on to new endeavors.
Here is his Tweet, embedded.