WWE announced today that they have granted releases for Tye Dillinger and Hideo Itami, releasing short statements that just said, “WWE has come to terms on the release of Ron Arneill (Tye Dillinger)” and “WWE has come to terms on the release of Kenta Kobayashi (Hideo Itami).”
Tye Dillinger posted on Twitter that he requested his release on Tuesday.
Itami’s release request came last month. Itami reportedly told WWE that he plans on returning to Japan and may once again work for Pro Wrestling Noah, according to Dave Meltzer.
The terms of their releases aren’t known. WWE typically has 90-day non-compete clauses, so that would expire before May 25 and theoretically allow them to work AEW’s Double or Nothing show. But the releases could also have conditions that don’t allow them to work that show. Either way, Itami is not expected to go to AEW.
WWE has come to terms on the release of Ron Arneill (Tye Dillinger).https://t.co/uqIeqallQf
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2019
WWE has come to terms on the release of Kenta Kobayashi (Hideo Itami).https://t.co/HeJV9fxCrU
— WWE (@WWE) February 22, 2019
Thanks again.
See you soon as KENTA #GO2SLEEP #GAMEOVER #BUSAIKUKNEE https://t.co/cCQRj2GsMK— KENTA (@KENTAG2S) February 22, 2019
WWE also announced the release of TJP today. Unlike Dillinger and Itami, he did not request his release.