WWE made a mass round of talent cuts on Thursday, which included Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Elias, Shelton Benjamin, Riddick Moss, Emma, Aliyah, and “Top Dolla” AJ Francis from the main roster, and Quincy Elliott, Shanky, Bryson Montana, Yulisa Leon, Dabba-Kato, Kevin Ventura-Cortez, Alexis Gray, and Daniel McArthur from NXT.
The company was looking to cut back on $50 million to $100 million in expenses following the merger with the UFC to form the TKO Holdings Group.
Dave Meltzer reported the following in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
“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.
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WWE Makes Mass Talent Cuts to Reduce Expenses
In a surprising move, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced a mass round of talent cuts on Thursday. The list of released wrestlers includes notable names such as Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Elias, Shelton Benjamin, Riddick Moss, Emma, Aliyah, and “Top Dolla” AJ Francis from the main roster. From NXT, Quincy Elliott, Shanky, Bryson Montana, Yulisa Leon, Dabba-Kato, Kevin Ventura-Cortez, Alexis Gray, and Daniel McArthur were also let go.
The decision to release these wrestlers comes as WWE aims to cut back on expenses following its merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to form the TKO Holdings Group. The company is looking to reduce costs by $50 million to $100 million.
According to Dave Meltzer’s report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the key factor behind these releases was that the talent was making main roster money but not being utilized on the main roster. It was clear that they would not be featured in future storylines or matches.
“It’s time in versus how much money you are paid versus return on investment,” stated a WWE official regarding the talent cuts. This statement suggests that the company is evaluating the value each wrestler brings to the table and making decisions based on their financial impact.
These cuts have sparked discussions among wrestling fans and industry insiders about the future direction of WWE. Some argue that releasing established names like Dolph Ziggler and Mustafa Ali could be a missed opportunity for the company to capitalize on their popularity and in-ring abilities. Others believe that this move signifies a shift towards focusing on new talent and fresh faces.
While these releases may come as a shock to many fans, it is important to note that WWE is a business that must make strategic decisions to ensure its financial stability. The company has a long history of talent cuts and roster changes, often resulting in new opportunities for released wrestlers in other promotions.
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In conclusion, WWE’s recent mass talent cuts reflect the company’s efforts to reduce expenses following its merger with the UFC. While it may be disappointing for fans to see their favorite wrestlers released, it is crucial to understand the business aspect behind these decisions. As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how WWE adapts and reshapes its roster to maintain its position as a leading force in sports entertainment.