WWE cuts will impact NXT.
Following the news that more than 100 WWE employees have been laid off, the cost-cutting has now made its way to the talent roster.
Prior to the completion of the merger between WWE and UFC, Nick Khan admitted the sports entertainment giant would be “aggressive” in making cuts and looking to scale back costs to the tune of $50 million.
Following the news that the company had secured a massive new TV deal with the USA Network for SmackDown, the releases began with Mustafa Ali, Aliyah and Emma all announcing their exit.
Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Elias, Top Dolla, Rick Boogs, and Madcap Moss have all been let go.
While the cuts have only impacted the main roster thus far, it’s been reported by Bryan Alvarez that cuts to NXT will also take place from around 5 ET.
Some Within WWE Frustrated By Latest Cuts
The releases have caught many fans by surprise as they came just hours after the company announced a huge new TV deal with the USA Network. As per the agreement, SmackDown will leave FOX, and head back to USA for five years. The deal is said to be worth $1.4 billion.
This in turn comes after WWE announced its merger with UFC which is believed to be worth $21 billion.
The timing of the departures has reportedly caused frustration within WWE, with one top star saying that those who’d been released were barely given a chance as they were rarely booked.