Rey Mysterio parts ways with WWE

Former world champion Rey Mysterio has officially parted ways with the WWE upon his contract expiring Thursday.

The popular wrestling star had been with the company since 2002.

Mysterio has had a contentious relationship with the WWE over the past year as he has been wanting to be released from his contract so that he could seek outside opportunities.

Instead of granting Mysterio his release, the WWE simply allowed his contract to expire.

Former World Championship Wrestling star Konnan, a good friend of Mysterio's, said on the MLW Radio podcast Thursday night that Mysterio is not leaving the company "under the best of terms."

"They drive people crazy over there," he said. "There's a lot of disrespect. It's been well documented. It isn't me trying to be relevant or I'm bitter or whatever the lazy excuse is when somebody is trying to keep it f------ 100. Everybody that leaves there, they tell you it sucks."

"They weren't going to do nothing with Rey," he added. "Rey was not happy there, so good. Let's part ways. Let him do his s---."

Former WWE creative writer Court Bauer also said on the podcast that Mysterio is scheduled to appear at a press conference for Mexican wrestling promotion Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion (AAA) early next week. Konnan did not elaborate on what the details of the press conference will entail.

The two also announced that Mysterio will break his silence during a live edition of the podcast during WrestleMania weekend.

During his time with the WWE, Mysterio became won multiple WWE and World Heavyweight Championships, Intercontinental Champions and Tag Team titles on his way to becoming one of the more popular stars on the roster.

[h/t to TMZ]