WWE Star Ready For AEW Move, Turns Down Double-Money Offer

The exodus from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is continuing as the year progresses with Rhyno – real name Terrance Guido Gerin – being the latest to reveal that he will be leaving the company when his contract expires in July. He turned down a chance to extend his deal with the company as he is keen to be on the road, working more often than he is at the moment.

WWE has lost a few members from its roster in recent weeks with Dean Ambrose being the biggest casualty. Tye Dillinger was released from his contract, while Dustin Rhodes – in-ring name Goldust – was granted his release.

The likes of Luke Harper, former RAW tag team champions The Revival and former RAW women’s champion Sasha Banks’ requests for a release were turned down by the promotion for fear of them jumping ship and joining rival promotions such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), New Japan or Impact Wrestling.

Rhyno confirmed that July 17 will be his last day with the WWE after declining the offer of a new deal. The 43-year-old was not keen to sign it even though it was a double-your-money offer from WWE as he has not been used regularly in the last couple of years.

The pro-wrestling veteran, who has previously worked with Impact, NXT and New Japan, is keen to be on the road on a weekly basis, not only to compete inside the squared circle but to also help the young wrestlers on the circuit. Rhyno was a popular member among the WWE Universe and is certain to be snapped up by a rival promotion.

"July 17 is my last date there," Rhyno said, as quoted by the Bleacher Report. "They actually offered me more than twice my downside, but it wasn't where they would have to use me because the downside is so large and it wasn't about money. It was about me wanting to be on the road work and helping the younger guys kind of like a player-coach."

Rhyno made it clear that quitting WWE is not the end of his pro-wrestling career and he is eager to help the younger generation and potentially find the “next John Cena or Stone Cold Steve Austin”. He also called out to other pro-wrestling promotions, AEW, Impact and New Japan by expressing his openness to join any of them to continue his work.

“I feel good, I feel very blessed that my health is there. My job is to find the next John Cena, the next Stone Cold Steve Austin, the next Rock and how can I help these guys if I'm not on the road? If I'm sitting at my marina, that'd be nice I'd be very fortunate to do that, but I can't help those younger men and women improve,” he added.

“On the indies, I can do that. And with other companies whether it's AEW, Impact, Ring of Honor or New Japan I've done that before in the past and that's something I can do now in the future,” the former SmackDown Live tag team champion said.