Ace Austin may still have one match left in TNA Wrestling, but his long-term future is already pointing elsewhere.
While his final contracted appearance will come at TNA Under Siege in an eight-person tag team match, Austin has officially declined a new deal from the company. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Austinreal name Austin Highleywas offered a new contract, but chose to move on, in part because hes looking to sign with a larger promotion.
Ace Austins deal is set to expire, Dave Meltzer reported. Real name Austin Highley, 28, he was offered a new deal but turned it down and is looking at getting into a larger company.
While that may not be the only reason for his departure, its definitely one of the major factors influencing his decision to leave TNA.
The update confirms what many already suspected after Austins appearance on the May 22 episode of TNA iMPACT, where he faced Mustafa Ali in a singles match and was announced for a big tag team showdown at Under Siege. Hes set to team with Indi Hartwell and The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) against Alis faction, Order 4, which also features Tasha Steelz, John Skyler, and Jason Hotch.
Scott DAmore, who originally signed Austin during his tenure as TNA President, also acknowledged the departure in his DAmore Drop column on Yahoo! Sports Uncrowned, making it clear that the split was mutual.
Nothing has been said publicly, but Ace Austins contract with TNA has come to term, DAmore wrote. Ace deciding to leave is amicablehes been there since he was barely out of his teens, and hes ready to step up.
He added, I signed him, and everything hes shown since confirms that Ace Austin becoming a massive star is, indeed, inevitable. Hes ready for that next chapter.
Austins contract status, his final storyline appearance, and DAmores public comments all indicate that his time in TNA is essentially finishedhes just not officially out the door until Under Siege ends.
Where do you think Ace Austin should go nextWWE, AEW, or somewhere else entirely? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
