WWE lays off talent one year to the day of “Black Wednesday”

WWE always seems to do a spring cleaning right after WrestleMania. This year is no different, except it comes exactly one year exactly after “Black Wednesday”. Just days into a global pandemic, WWE heartlessly fired and furloughed Superstars, writers, agents, and referees.

Twelve months later, we’re still in a global pandemic. Wrestling jobs are somewhat easier to come by, but it’s still hard given said pandemic. At this time last year, WWE had $500 million on hand. They claimed the firings and furloughs were due to budget cuts. Despite a $1 billion dollar deal for five years for Peacock to purchase the WWE Network, that is the company’s excuse this year too.

Released talent break their silence

The biggest surprise was no doubt Samoa Joe. On Monday, the WWE Universe learned that he was removed from commentary. Fans hoped this meant he was making his long awaited return to the ring. He seemed to be taking it all in stride from a funny exchange with his good friend, CM Punk.

Chelsea Green has had multiple stints with WWE and was rehabbing a broken wrist she suffered in a match last November. That same month, she signed a three-year deal with the company.

First, she tweeted a picture of her IMPACT character Laurel Van Ness. She later tweeted that you can buy her shirts at Pro Wrestling Tees.

https://twitter.com/ImChelseaGreen/status/1382773761427054601?s=20

Tucker seemed to be pleased with his release. It’s not surprising since he was rarely used on TV after Heavy Machinery was split up.

Veteran and multi-time champion Mickie James was in the 2021 Royal Rumble. She recently spoke out about the double standards with ageism among women wrestlers.

Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were both released today. As Billie stated, it’s only fitting that their WWE journeys began and ended together.

Wesley Blake hasn’t been used on TV since the Forgotten Sons were broken up. It was reported that Blake’s wife, former WWE wrestler Sara Lee, is pregnant with their third child.

https://twitter.com/TheWWEBlake/status/1382839833345847297?s=20

Bo Dallas, who hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since 2019, hasn’t released a statement. Mojo Rawley was one of the latest Superstars to be released, but has not spoken out publicly.

Former WWE talent to speak up

It is not lost on former talent that WWE is being cruel by firing employees the same day as “Black Wednesday”. Matt Cardona and Lio Rush were included in last year’s terminations.

https://twitter.com/TheLionelGreen/status/1382778836488577025?s=20

In the above tweet, Rush mentions hiring people back on lower salaries. Heath Slater just said days ago that this happened to him. While speaking on The Angle Podcast, Slater said “They offered me one back, but it was like half of what I was making. I was like, ‘Nah, I need to find myself and do other things and just chill. Just breathe and relax and spend time with the family. Just chill.’ ” (h/t Fightful.com for the transcription)

Another talent furloughed last year was Hurricane Helms. He was an agent at the time and was eventually brought back. He had some words of comfort for those unceremoniously released today.

Although some Superstars seem to be taking everything in stride, it is still devastating to lose a job, even when it’s the best thing that could happen. If you are able, please try to find way to support them.

It is possible that “Black Thursday” isn’t over and more cuts are coming. Stay tuned to Daily DDT for the latest.