WWE is reeling from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. While they as holding their regularly scheduled shows from empty arena, the loss of live-event revenue has forced the company to make some changes. The company has taken steps for “short-term cost reductions and cash flow improvement”.
This included cutting superstars from the roster. These cuts include WWE Hall of Fame member Kurt Angle and WWE superstar Rusev. In addition, WWE has also cut many producers to cut costs.
The list of personnels released on Wednesday include:
- 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)
WWE Executive Vince McMahon mapped out the measures the company will undertake in response to the coronavirus pandemic during a call with WWE employees. Moreover, WWE also released a corporate press release, focusing on four primary actions:
- Reducing executive and board member compensation
- Decreasing operating expenses
- Cutting talent expenses, third party staffing and consulting
- Deferring spend on the build out of the company’s new headquarters for at least six months
The press release stated WWE “also identified headcount reductions and made the decision to furlough a portion of its workforce effective immediately. The decision to furlough versus permanently reduce headcount reflects the fact that the Company currently believes the furlough will be temporary in nature.”
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