Big Update on Alberto Del Rio's Future in WWE

While he may be facing World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view this Sunday, speculation continues to swirl around about the long-term future of Alberto Del Rio.

Reports emerged a few weeks ago that the former WWE Champion was disgruntled with his treatment and had threatened to quit the company.

This came a couple of months after AAA star Konnan revealed in an interview that an unhappy Del Rio had almost walked out of Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory before he ever got called up to the main roster, citing frustration with his position and low pay.

In this week's (subscribers-only) Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer gives an update on Del Rio's future, noting that Del Rio has spoken of early retirement in recent times and mentioning that many in the promotion are of the opinion he will soon be on his way out:   

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Del Rio has already said publicly that he’s only going for a few more years (although everyone says that). But there are people who are believing he isn’t long for the company.

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However, Meltzer goes on to say that Del Rio finds himself in an advantageous position when it comes to negotiating, primarily due to WWE's eagerness to have at least one top Hispanic star on the roster because of the floundering careers of Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara:

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 He’s got some leverage right now because they want a Hispanic star, and Mysterio isn’t thought of as long-term and Sin Cara’s treatment of late shows where he’s at right now.

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It will be intriguing to see where things go to from here. Despite all the uncertainty surrounding his WWE future, Del Rio continues to be the recipient of a top heel push on TV and pay-per-view. If the company truly feels he cannot be relied on, this may not be the most astute move.