WWE: ‘At least’ sixty individuals released from multiple departments

News broke of addition cuts within the WWE at a time when the company has shown extensive financial success

COVID-19 has changed the way many industries are doing business, professional wrestling is no different. Like other promotions, the WWE has not traveled since March. In April, the company made extensive roster cuts at a time when other organizations were not. News broke this week of additional releases to behind the scenes staff. The negative response to these cuts should be expected, especially when looking at the recent actions and financial data of the company.

The unfortunate news started this week when Hall of Famer, Gerald Brisco was suddenly released. Brisco’s tenure with the WWE is storied and spanned multiple roles. Brisco made a statement on Twitter that tugs at the heart strings.

“Last night I received a call from WWE Chairman of the Board, Vince McMahon to let me know after 36 years of dedication to the WWE I am no longer needed.”

“No longer needed,” is a stinging line. But the releases did not end there. Mike Rotunda, known best as IRS, was released as well. Media outlets like FightFul and WrestleZone revealed that multiple staff members from live events, travel and production were let go. According to PWInsider, the number of releases could be as high as 60 people. Many of these individuals were furloughed since the impact of COVID-19 limited their ability to do their job. While some individuals, like Josiah Williams as reported by WrestlingInc have been brought back, there’s numbers that will feel the impact of losing their employment during a global pandemic.

The first series of cuts back in April had a positive impact on WWE’s financial status. July’s earning call revealed that WWE’s operating income increased from $17.1 million in 2019 to $55.7 million in 2020. The adjusted OIBDA rose from $34.6 million in 2019 to $73.5 million in 2020. Those are massive increases at a time when millions of Americans are out of work, small business continue to struggle, and many wealthy organizations continue to experience financial booms. WWE released nearly 60 people right before the close of the third quarter of 2020 will continue to build up those numbers heading into the next earnings call expected in October.

The last few weeks have been a continued cycle of negative press for the WWE. Whether it is the continued bleeding of ratings, upsetting creative decisions, positive COVID-19 tests or more – the company find ways to present itself in the worst of light. When All Elite Wrestling made roster cuts last month, the response was not nearly the same sent the way of the WWE. Much of that can be attributed to WWE not giving fans much news that can be cheered. Releasing an additional 60 individuals on top of those already released in April will not help this matter in any way.

Hearing that approximately 60 people are no longer employed at WWE is tough news for the industry. Pay close attention to the upcoming financial call to see just how much of a boost this is to their coffers at a time when they have shown to have extensive reserves. At a time when the company needs some positive news, this is not the direction viewers would like to see them head towards.