Lashley had been one of the most pushed stars on the WWE roster of the past year. He suffered a shoulder injury at Backlash last year. He last wrestled for WWE on July 30 against Mr. Kennedy, in a match where Lashley was kayfabe injured by Mr. Kennedy to allow Lashley to have time off for surgery for his shoulder injury.

As of now, WWE.com has not made an official statement about the situation, and until they officially agree on the terms of the release, he remains under contract to WWE. However, his image was removed from the opening of Raw this past Monday night.