Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Friday, August 26, 2005 at 11:41 AM EST

A press release written by Chris Jericho regarding his current wrestling status was posted on his official website this week dated August 22nd, but was never issued on the main page and was simply on the server. Jericho confirms in the written release that he has officially left World Wrestling Entertainment to pursue other endeavors.

The release hit various internet wrestling websites yesterday when word also made the rounds that a graphic was appearing on Jericho's website with a TNA logo being displayed above a picture of Jericho doing his usual wrestling pose (that can still be seen as of now here). The release has since been removed from Jericho's website. Here is a copy of what was written by Jericho courtesy of PWInsider.com:

"I eventually had my first match on Oct 2, 1990 in Ponoka, Alberta...and on August 22, 2005 in Hampton, Virginia, I had my last match. For now. Yes it’s true. After months of speculation and rumors and numerous decoys and red herrings being thrown about, the official news from the boss man (me) is that I am leaving the WWE. I'm a very goal oriented person who thrives on a challenge and I’m not challenged by wrestling at this point in time.

Whether I do achieve success outside of wrestling or I don’t, I can say one thing for sure...I’m not retiring from the wrestling business. Too many people over too many years have said that and have constantly returned. I’m not leaving the WWE for good, I’m not leaving wrestling for good. When I’m ready to come back I will. It may be one month, it may be one year, but when the time is right, I’ll know and I will return and be better than ever...I wouldn’t think of returning any other way.

You won’t see me doing any conventions or indie shots in the meantime. If I’m going to be in the wrestling biz, it will be with the WWE. I’m a member of the WWE family for the rest of my life...just like the mafia...and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about my company. So you won’t see me doing any shoot interviews either. Why would I? Vince and I have accomplished a lot of awesome things together and I have nothing but respect for him."

We will have more on this situation later today.