Matt Sydal, performing under the name Evan Bourne, was released by WWE in 2014 and has yet to return.
However, Sydal was in talks to head back to WWE for the Crusierweight Classic in 2016, but opted to head overseas instead.
“When the cruiserweight tournament was originally happening, I talked to them about that. But at the time I was also talking to New Japan, and I just chose New Japan over WWE. It was kind of an easy choice for me at the time," Sydal told Louis Dangoor of WrestleTalk.
After his WWE release in 2014, Sydal worked across the country including ROH, IMPACT, PWG, and EVOLVE, and more. He debuted for NJPW in September 2015 and won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships two times with Ricochet.
Most recently, Sydal was the surprise entrant in the Casino Battle Royale at AEW All Out, but he didn't make the impact he was hoping thanks to Michael Nakazawa, who covered the turnbuckle in baby oil, causing Sydal to slip when attempting the shooting star press. You can view Nakazawa's explanation by clicking here.
