Report: Cesaro's Departure Considered More Of A WWE Decision
No big offer, it seems
Feb 25, 2022
After 11 years with the company, Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli) departed WWE this week after his contract with the organisation expired. Both parties were said to be in negotiations over a new deal but they were unable to agree to terms.
In an update on Cesaro's exit, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported The Swiss Cyborg's departure was more of a WWE decision, noting that Cesaro wasn't looking to leave the company "but they made an offer he didn't like."
Details on what WWE offered Cesaro are currently unknown but Meltzer noted the 41-year-old leaving indicated he did not receive an offer on the level of Kevin Owens, AJ Styles and Sami Zayn, who have all re-signed in recent months.
Cesaro also reportedly did not receive a backdoor offer from All Elite Wrestling while he was in talks with WWE over a new deal.
Fightful Select further noted that Cesaro felt "reasonable disappointment" with "how he was used, things he was left off of, and spots he didn't fill" during his WWE run.
During his 11 years with WWE, Cesaro became a one-time United States Champion and seven-time tag team champion, holding the gold with Tyson Kidd, Shinsuke Nakamura, and with Sheamus as The Bar. The 41-year-old was also the winner of the inaugural Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
