The WWE and UFC merger into TKO has created big waves in the sports and entertainment industry. It has made several cuts — as a result, many wrestling superstars were released from their contracts last Thursday.
As per Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, WWE parted ways with wrestlers including Dolph Ziggler, Elias, Shelton Benjamin, Rick Boogs, Emma, Riddick Moss, Top Dolla, Aliyah, Dana Brooke, Shanky, Mace, and Mansoor. Mustafa Ali also confirmed in a tweet on Thursday that he is “no longer working with WWE.”
Even NXT’s Quincy Elliott was released (which he confirmed through an Instagram story post). Other NXT performers like Dabba-Kato, Yulisa Leon, and Bryson Montana were also reportedly let go of the company.
WWE Fired Over 100 Employees After the Merger
According to PWInsider, WWE has parted ways following the merger with UFC with two of its top executives — Jamie Horowitz (Executive Vice President of Development and Digital) and Catherine Newman (Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing).
More than that, more corporate layoffs from WWE were already expected, with the entire corporate office working remotely, as indicated by an internal email from WWE CEO Nick Khan earlier this week (via PWInsider):
“We are asking that everyone work remotely, Friday September 15th, so we can insure all conversations are handled privately and respectfully.”
As it now stands, WWE fired over 100 employees, with the release of 17 superstars, from Dolph Ziggler to Mustafa Ali (according to the updated list by USA Today).
Over this, Dwayne Johnson, who made a surprise appearance on WWE’s “SmackDown” last Friday and teased a full-fledged return, has reacted sadly.
Dwayne Johnson Reacted Over WWE Stars’ Post-Merger Firings
After the news broke about the several layoffs of WWE stars, Dwayne Johnson posted a message on X expressing his feelings:
“Just seeing all these releases now. These days so f’n tough for the ones who gave their all to our crazy world of pro wrestling. Like @HEELZiggler
What a decorated @WWE career and I’ll always be a supporter and fan.
Can’t wait to see what he (and everyone) does next… #onward.”
The Rock’s concerns are valid as these talented individuals lost their contracts and are even uncertain about what’s next in their careers. The TKO merger has indeed brought enough financial profits to top executives like Triple H and Nick Khan a lot of money.
But what about those employees who were released? This definitely raises questions about the company’s goodwill and shows how it treats its talent.
