It’s a sad day in pro-wrestling where WWE released a ton of talents, at a time, due to the budget cuts within the company as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 15 superstars were released that included former world champion and tag team champions. Plus, a number of officials and creative members were also let go of the company.
The list of released wrestlers is as follow,
* Rusev
* Kurt Angle
* Zack Ryder
* No Way Jose
* Mike Kanellis
* Maria Kanellis
* Primo
* Epico
* Rowan
* Sarah Logan
* Karl Anderson
* Luke Gallows
* EC3
* Drake Maverick
* Curt Hawkins
* Heath Slater
* Eric Young
* Lio Rush
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The most shocking from these released names was to see a veteran and Hall of Famer Kurt Angle walking away from the company due to the budget cut policy who stated the following on Twitter,
“I wanted 2 say thank you to the WWE for the time I spent there. I made many new friends and had the opportunity to work with so many talented people. To the Superstars, continue to entertain the WWE Universe as well as you possibly can. They’re the best fans in the world.”
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I wanted 2 say thank you to the WWE for the time I spent there.I made many new friends and had the opportunity to work with so many talented people. To the Superstars, continue to entertain the WWE Universe as well as you possibly can. They’re the best fans in the world. #itstrue
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 15, 2020
After coming back to the WWE in 2017, Kurt Angle performed as a wrestler for two years to announce permanent retirement from in-ring competition at WrestleMania 35 in 2019.
Drake Maverick seemed excited after getting confirmed for the upcoming NXT Cruiserweight tournament that began airing on NXT. He sent out the following on Twitter,
https://twitter.com/WWEMaverick/status/1250493936185102339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had signed new deals with the WWE last summer who were also seen performing in the historic Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36 between The Undertaker and AJ Styles.
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EC3 was released by the WWE for a second time after 2013. He first signed with the company in 2008 and signed with TNA Wrestling to become a world champion, there. He then returned to the company in 2018 to perform on NXT. EC3 came back to the main roster to become a 4-time 24/7 champion on the main roster.
https://twitter.com/itsLioRush/status/1250495096862257155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Curt Hawkins is also someone who has been released from the company for a second time. He had to depart in 2013 but returned to the company in 2016. He is a two-time WWE tag team champion along with Zack Ryder who also holds a record of most losses in a row. Hawkins sent out the following tweet saying,
“Last time I got fired I had a really funny tweet in response to it. Doesn’t really feel appropriate today. I will say this, a lot of very talented ppl lost their jobs today and out of this disaster the PRO WRESTLING community will rise stronger than ever! ??”
The people closest to me know this is something I’ve been struggling with wanting for the better part of the last year.
Happy to say I gave this journey my best and MORE excited for the future! ❤️
— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) April 15, 2020
Thank you All, Rusev out!
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) April 15, 2020
Rusev indicated on Twitter that he was being let go of WWE. Thirty minutes later to the tweet, the company officially announced that he was released.
Veteran wrestler Lance Storm has recently closed the Storm Wrestling Academy to begin working as a producer in the WWE who had to leave the company, as well. He posted the following,
My best to all who, like me, lost their jobs today. To those still on the job, hold down the fort for us. It was my pleasure to work with you all these past 4 month. I hope we will all get a chance to work together again. Stay strong, stay safe.
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) April 15, 2020
Fit Finlay has been working for WWE for more than two decades who had a big impact on the Women’s Evolution. Sadly, he was also shown the doors which were unfortunate. He reacted the below way,
To everyone on Gods green earth. Thank you for the kind words. I’ve been doing this for 46 years(Wrestling)I pray you all get through this and we can share a hug and drink again. Stay healthy. (SD)
— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) April 15, 2020
WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler expressed his concerns towards the released talents as the world continues to go through a tough time,
awesome wrestlers lost their job today, in the midst of everything going on it may not mean a lot to you & that’s ok. But it means a lot to me. If you can, root for them, checkout their @PWTees page & @BookCameo
If u have a fav independent pro having a rough time, send their info— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) April 15, 2020