WWE Releases Multiple Talent as Cost Cutting Measures

Earlier this week, we covered the rumor that WWE 2K1 may be canceled due to the current pandemic affecting the globe. With no end currently in sight, many wrestlers’ livelihoods are at stake. Just like everyone else, whether they are an indy wrestler or a big star in AEW, WWE, NJPW, or even Lucha Underground, people are uncertain what will come next within the following weeks. Because of this, many companies have laid off or furloughed their employees. This has left many scared and uncertain. WWE superstars and former stars are no exception to this current predicament. On April 15th, WWE released multiple talents from their roster.

On Wednesday, news broke that WWE had released over a dozen wrestlers. A majority of the wrestlers released came as no surprise since they had been underutilized within the last few months. Surprisingly though, some WWE talent who had just risked their health to be on live TV earlier that week were released as well. Earlier in the week, the Revival had been granted their release after months of controversy. This wave of releases has brought a new set of controversy along with it. Below, you will find the names of each wrestler released from WWE this week.

Kurt Angle, Rusev (Miroslav Barnyashev), Drake Maverick (James Curtin), Zack Ryder (Matthew Cardona), Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers), Karl Anderson (Chad Allegra), Luke Gallows (Drew Hankinson), Heath Slater (Heath Miller), Eric Young (Jeremy Fritz), Rowan (Joseph Ruud), Sarah Logan (Sarah Rowe), No Way Jose (Levis Valenzuela), Mike Chioda, Mike Kanellis (Mike Bennett), Maria Kanellis, EC3 (Michael Hutter), Aiden English (Matthew Rehwoldt), Lio Rush (Lionel Green), Primo (Edwin Colon) and Epico (Orlando Colon Nieves).

This week, Drake Maverick, Sarah Logan, and No Way Jose were on live WWE TV; this is why it comes as a surprise.

Why Controversy?

In the official press release, WWE wished these talents the best in their future endeavors. So why the controversy? Before this strand of releases, Rusev, Eric Young, Rowan, Mike Kanellis, EC3, Gallows, and Anderson had asked for their release from WWE within the last year. All were denied their requests. Sadly, their release comes during a pandemic that will make it difficult to work for other organizations. Alongside active WWE talent, some backstage talent has been released. This includes Lance Storm, Shane Helms, and Finlay.

Prior to the WWE talent releases, there was controversy outside of the WWE. Earlier this month, WWE was told to shut down by the Florida governor. On April 9th, the same day that DeSantis classified WWE as an essential business, Linda McMahon’s pro-Trump super PAC announced it’ll be spending $18.5 million on advertising in Florida. This comes up as a major red flag. This, alongside the Vince declaring bankruptcy for the XFL.

What do you think of the WWE releases? Do you agree with them? Do you think WWE bribed their way into essential status? Which WWE release is the most shocking or painful? Personally, Drake Maverick’s release video is the most upsetting to me.

My immediate thoughts.@WWE @WWENXT #WWE #NXT @TripleH @ShawnMichaels #Cruiserweight pic.twitter.com/Afw58V7eo1

— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) April 15, 2020