Former WWE and TNA star Austin Aries has reportedly found his next landing spot.
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During Defiant's show on Monday, Aries interrupted Defiant Champion Marty Scurll's promo with General Manager Stu Bennett (formerly Wade Barrett).
Aries apparently signed a six-month deal with the promotion after his surprising exit from WWE.
WWE announced the release of Aries on July 7:
"WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Austin Aries," WWE said in their statement. "WWE wishes Aries the best in all of his future endeavors."
Aries shared the following message after his release from WWE:
"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, 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"
Aries' departure comes after reported disagreements between he and WWE on how his character should be used. Aries had been pigeonholed in the company's cruiserweight division, and was essentially directionless after losing a title program against Neville.
Aries probably had a point on that front, as outside of WWE he has been a two-time Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion and a one-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.
Aries, 39, was only in WWE for a little over a year after finally making the jump from rival promotion TNA. He is generally regarded as one of the best in-ring wrestlers in the world.
