Report: Cesaro Parts Ways With WWE

Cesaro has reportedly left WWE at the expiration of his contract, according to a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider.

Johnson writes that both sides had been in negotiations on a new deal, but could not come to terms.

As a result of the expiration, Cesaro is free to work for whomever, without a 90-day non-compete window to adhere to.

The real life Claudio Castagnoli signed with WWE in September 2011, more than ten years into a successful indie career. After several months working in developmental, Cesaro came to the main roster in the spring of 2012, where he showed off an ability to speak five different languages. He won the United States title from Santino Marella shortly thereafter.

While teaming with Jack Swagger (Jake Hager) in 2014, Cesaro began to break out as a genuine singles star. He won the first ever Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 30, leading to him going solo and taking on Paul Heyman in a short-lived union.

Most of Cesaro's success since did come in tag teams, reigning as Tag champion seven different times with three different partners (Tyson Kidd, Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura).

Cesaro's last WWE match took place on the February 11 SmackDown, a loss to Happy Corbin.

UPDATE: Sean Ross Sapp at Fightful Select has reported additional details on Cesaro's departure. According to the report, the immediate reaction from those within WWE was, "disappointment and dismay, as Cesaro has been one of the most universally liked talent on the roster."

Sapp adds that, per WWE, Cesaro had been with WWE on a one-year extension, and it's confirmed that he has no non-compete clause.

The report notes Cesaro's TV losing streak that dated back to November, adding, "...there was no indication he was going to re-sign, and therefore no incentive to push him accordingly."