A WWE official has spoken out about the significant talent releases by WWE. The Stamford-based corporation fired a number of superstars from the NXT, RAW, and SmackDown rosters on September 21, 2023. The recent merger of WWE and UFC under the management of TKO Holdings raised rumors that talent would be removed even before it actually happened.
“It’s time in vs. how much money you are paid vs. return on investment,”
– WWE official regarding the talent cuts
(WON) pic.twitter.com/P7pKz40fMK— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) September 22, 2023
Following a formal comment from a WWE employee, it appears that these assertions now have a certain basis. Subsequently, after meeting with a representative from the Stamford-based promotion.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter said, “The key to the releases were talent making main roster money but not being used on the main roster and with the idea that they were not going to be used in the future. ‘It’s time in vs. how much money you are paid vs. return on investment,’ said one WWE official regarding the talent cuts”.
However, the statement from the WWE official sent the fans into a meltdown as they took to their X account to react on this matter. One fan tweeted, “Oh this f**king cold”. Another audience of WWE sarcastically said, “What a cool company, who wouldn’t want to work there?”
Dave Meltzer highlights that wrestlers were released depending on their contribution, how much they were rewarded, and the return on investment. Fans, upon learning of this, have reacted angrily, with some mocking it as a savvy business decision and others drawing attention to the achievements of the released stars. Hence, WWE layoffs have clearly hurt fans.
WWE releases amid a new merger and TV deal
This week’s Black Friday arrived a day early as WWE entered the TKO era. Unfortunately, for WWE employees, those initials have taken on significance in the previous two weeks. One week later, after a tremendous surge of releases got swept out. WWE’s TKO/Endeavor Era took its cleavers to the talent roster.
One thousand five hundred and fifty four matches. @HEELZiggler #Respect
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 21, 2023
WWE released the following Superstars from WWE NXT and the main roster on Thursday: Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Elias, Shelton Benjamin, Rick Boogs, Riddick Moss, Emma, Aliyah, ‘Top Dolla’, AJ Francis, Dana Brooke, Mansoor, Mace, Quincy Elliott, Shanky, Bryson Montana, Yulisa Leon, Dabba-Kato, Kevin Ventura-Cortez, Alexis Gray, and Daniel McArthur.
PWInsider reports that they received word that Ikemen Jiro was released on Thursday. Brooklyn Barlow’s resignation was also confirmed on Instagram Stories. She wrote, “As of today I am no longer with NXT. Grateful to have experienced the WWE universe and everything that comes along with it. ‘The two most important days of your life are the day that you are born and the day you find out WHY’ Thank you”.
Following this, Matt Riddle is also laid out of WWE, as he has recently shared the post. Riddle is one of the big names to be released.
Just wanted to inform everyone that I’m no longer with WWE. Thank you for the memories and opportunities also thank you to all the fans for the support and love you give me every time I go out to the ring. See you all soon 🤙 pic.twitter.com/fpuQkIJAFx
— matthew riddle (@SuperKingofBros) September 22, 2023
Without a doubt, WWE’s decision has had a catastrophic impact on the burgeoning careers of WWE Superstars. Some of the prominent individuals who have been laid out have not been given the opportunity to shine. The opportunity-seeking stars will undoubtedly be dissatisfied with the WWE layoffs.