Several WWE Superstars and producers were released from their contract due to the cost-cutting measures that WWE has implemented due to COVID-19. This was the largest single-day layoff in WWE history.
The wrestlers who were let go are Rusev, Aiden English, Drake Maverick, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Karl Anderson, Mike Kanellis, Rowan, Luke Gallows, EC3, Primo, Epico, Lio Rush, Eric Young, No Way Jose, Heath Slater, Maria Kanellis, and Sarah Logan. Long-time WWE referee Mike Chioda also got released. It’s not known if they will have a 90-day no-compete clause as part of their termination.
PWInsider.com also adds that several producers were furloughed from their backstage positions including Kurt Angle, Billy Kidman, Scott Armstrong, Shawn Daivari, Shane Helms, Fit Finlay, Pat Buck, Sarah Stock, Mike Rotunda and Lance Storm who just started with the company again. Rotunda was just on The Bump today as IRS.
NXT and the Performance Center were also hit with layoffs and furloughs. MJ Jenkins, Deonna Purrazzo, and Dan Matha were released and so was on-air talent Josiah Williams. The Performance Center trainers Ace Steel, Serena Deeb, and Kendo Kashin were furloughed so they could return once this is all over.
Employees at the WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut also got bad news with furloughs and layoffs going around.
