A few more Wrestlers Released By WWE on 21 September 2023. After the recent announcement of a lucrative TV deal for “WWE SmackDown,” projected to bring in $1.4 billion over 5 years (source: Wall Street Journal), WWE has started notifying its talent about their releases. This morning, some performers took to social media to share their own announcements, while others have been confirmed through different sources.
Matt Riddle and Dolph Ziggler Released by WWE
More than 20 superstars, including Matt Riddle and Dolph Ziggler, were released following the announcement of a new TV deal.
Mustafa Ali was the first to announce his departure from the company on Thursday afternoon, stating that is “no longer working with WWE.” Despite recently becoming the top contender for Dominik Mysterio’s North American Championship, the news broke that the star would still be participating in the match between the two at NXT No Mercy on September 30th.
Another figure to depart was Dolph Ziggler, a former World Heavyweight Champion with nearly two decades of dedication to the organization.
Renowned stars like Elias, Tenille Dashwood, and Shelton Benjamin have also been released from their contracts in the recent wave of departures.
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According to a report by Fighful Select, the recent layoffs have caused frustration among some members of the company. This comes as a surprise, as it coincides with the recent announcement of a lucrative $1.4 billion deal that will bring SmackDown back to the USA Network in 2024.
List of Wrestlers Released By WWE
- Matt Riddle
- Dolph Ziggler: Joined in 2004
- Shelton Benjamin: Joined in 2002
- Elias: Joined in 2014
- Mustafa Ali: Joined in 2016
- Emma: Joined in 2012
- Riddick Moss
- Aliyah: Joined in 2015
- Top Dolla: Joined in 2020
- Rick Boogs: Joined in 2017
- Mace: Joined in 2016
- Mansoor: Joined in 2017
- Dana Brooke: Joined in 2013
- Dabba Kato: Joined in 2016
- Shanky: Joined in 2020
- Ikemen Jiro: Joined in 2020
- Yulisa Leon: Joined in 2021
- Quincy Elliott: Joined in 2022
- Bryson Montana: Joined in 2022
- Kevin Ventura-Cortez: Joined in 2022
- Daniel McArthur
- Alexis Gray
- Brooklyn Barlow: Joined in 2022
- Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald
On Thursday morning, WWE made an announcement regarding the relocation of SmackDown. Starting October 2024, it will transition from Fox to USA Network as part of a five-year agreement between WWE and NBCUniversal. Additionally, as part of this arrangement, WWE will host four NBC primetime network specials. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Monday Night Raw and NXT, currently airing on USA Network, will reportedly be moving off the network.
Launch of TKO
Following the launch of TKO, a media conglomerate formed by Endeavor that merged WWE and UFC parent company Zuffa, an impressive string of releases has emerged. While WWE and UFC still operate as separate entities, they now fall under the TKO umbrella. On September 12, this new company officially debuted with a staggering valuation of $21.4 billion. Endeavor controls a majority 51% stake in TKO, while WWE shareholders hold a minority 49% ownership.
According to PW Insider, earlier this month, over 100 employees, mainly off-camera WWE staff, were let go as a result of budget cuts. This move was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs, as reported by the PW insider.