Rey Mysterio on why he left WWE, if he would ever return

There were reports making the rounds for months on end that Rey Mysterio and WWE were locked up in a war of attrition in his final year or so with the company. Injuries had caught up to him and with his career winding down and something had to give but WWE was seemingly reluctant to let him go.

They did, though, and now he's out on the independent scene, working for AAA and moving at his own pace. In an interview with SI.com, he talked about what led to his departure:

"My contract was coming to an end. I had been on the grind for so long, and even I was out for a long period of time due to surgery, I was constantly rehabbing. I never had the time to participate in my kids' lives or be around my wife. So I really thought about it - I could be working until I'm 43, 44, or 45 years old, and keep on making money, but where is that going to leave me? I've already done good for myself, so I really needed a break. I wanted to detach myself from having a certain obligation. I wanted to do things on my terms. I wanted to rest, I wanted to enjoy my kids. I wasn't getting any younger, and my kids weren't getting any younger. I weighed my options, and leaving WWE was a decision my wife and I made together.

"I'm truly blessed to have a partner, a soulmate that's been loyal and equal to me for all this time. She's been a mother and a father throughout all the years me being on the grind, on the road. Now, I have control of my life and my career. Family has always been the number one importance in my life, and they're the reason I decided I stepped away for a little while."

Working the WWE schedule is a grind few can withstand for so long, especially men with families at home who deserve just as much time and attention as their chosen career path. It's a commendable decision.

The good news is that despite rumors that there was a battle between the two sides, Mysterio is open to a return at some point:

"I didn't leave on bad terms. I left on good terms with WWE, so I don't want to say never. They treated me very well, and I'm nothing but thankful with that company for letting Rey Mysterio be Rey Mysterio and be recognized worldwide. If the opportunity comes about in the future, and there is interest from both parties, then why not?"

If we've learned anything in pro wrestling with WWE it's that they always come back at some point or another, even if it's just for an induction into the Hall of Fame.

Mysterio certainly deserves that much.