WWE releases Kurt Angle, Rusev and several others amidst coronavirus-impacted budget cuts to help ease the financial impact of the Pandemic.
Like most businesses around the world, the WWE has also been severely affected by the coronavirus. The financial implications of the pandemic have forced the WWE to hold their weekly television events without a live audience.
Also read: WWE Legend Hulk Hogan calls Coronavirus an act of God and suggests we don’t need a vaccination
To combat the loss of revenue, the company has taken “short-term cost reductions and cash flow improvement” that include cutting many notable members of its roster. In addition to roster members, WWE have also cut or furloughed many producers, including a host of retired wrestlers who aid in the construction of events and individual matches.
WWE releases Kurt Angle, Rusev and several others amidst coronavirus-impacted budget cuts
The WWE announced on Wednesday that it had released several of its performers. Those released included Kurt Angle, Rusev, Drake Maverick, Zach Ryder and referee Mike Chioda. Overall, 20 wrestlers were released in addition to eight other members of WWE.
BREAKING: WWE has come to terms on the release of Drake Maverick (James Curtin), Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers), Karl Anderson (Chad Allegra), EC3 (Michael Hutter) and Lio Rush (Lionel Green). We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. https://t.co/cX449nNSLU
— WWE (@WWE) April 15, 2020
The complete list of those released on Wednesday:
- Rusev
- Karl Anderson
- Luke Gallows
- Drake Maverick
- Eric Young
- EC3
- Lio Rush
- Zack Ryder
- Curt Hawkins
- Heath Slater
- Sarah Logan
- Erick Rowan
- No Way Jose
- Primo & Epico Colon
- Mike Kanellis
- Maria Kanellis
- Deonna Purrazzo
- Aleksander Jaksic
- Aiden English (announcer)
- Mike Chioda (referee)
- Kurt Angle (producer)
- Billy Kidman (producer)
- Mike Rotunda (producer)
- Dave “Fit” Finlay (producer)
- Pat Buck (producer)
- Shawn Daivari (producer)
- Scott Armstrong (producer)
- Sarah Stock (producer)
- Shane Helms (producer)
- Lance Storm (producer)
The decision was met by some emotional goodbyes from the released stars
I wanted 2 say thank you to the WWE for the time I spent there.I made many new friends and had the opportunity to work with so many talented people. To the Superstars, continue to entertain the WWE Universe as well as you possibly can. They’re the best fans in the world. #itstrue
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 15, 2020
Thank you All, Rusev out!
— Miro (@RusevBUL) April 15, 2020
My immediate thoughts.@WWE @WWENXT #WWE #NXT @TripleH @ShawnMichaels #Cruiserweight pic.twitter.com/Afw58V7eo1
— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) April 15, 2020
Earlier on Wednesday, WWE released a statement regarding budget cuts the company had to make in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Given the uncertainty of the situation, the Company also identified headcount reductions and made the decision to furlough a portion of its workforce effective immediately,” WWE said in the statement, adding that it believes the furlough will be temporary.
The budget cuts are estimated to save $4 million monthly and improve cash flow by $140 million, according to WWE.
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