Is Rey Mysterio Leaving?

According to wrestlenewz.com -- which as well has been covered by bleacherreport.com/pro-wrestling, it is a complete possibility. Wrestlenewz.com is reporting that Rey Mysterio has demanded his release immediately after WrestleMania XVII or even sometime before. If it is true, the only things that are known about this is that a) it came before the big press conference in Mexico over the signing of Sin Cara (aka Mistico). Also, according to these two sites, Rey has even threatened to retire if his demands are not met.

No word of a lie, this would impact WWE immensely. Even though Alberto Del Rio's star is beginning to rise, and Sin Cara has just signed, and yet to make a debut, Rey Mysterio is still considered by many fans to be the face of luchadore wrestling in WWE, and considered to be the dominant Latino influence on the SmackDown brand.

It's interesting to note that the relationship between Rey Mysterio and WWE has also been turbulent at times, with two completely horrendous jobs of booking him as World Champion (which he has held twice), and with Rey's suspension a couple years ago for failing to provide a prescription for his painkillers. In recent years, Rey has been injured quite a bit, with five knee surgeries and other injuries accumulating.

So is this report legit, or is it just a case of the dirt sheets stirring something? I guess only time is going to tell.