WWE Cutting Expenses, Releasing Wrestlers Due to COVID-19

Wednesday was a dark day for the wrestling industry as WWE made drastic roster cuts with over 20 superstars being released from their contracts.
Hall of Famer Kurt Angle was furloughed by WWE on Wednesday afternoon, as 11 more members of the main roster, including Rusev, were released.

Sarah Logan, Aiden English, Erick Rowan, Epico Colon, Primo Colon, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis Zack Ryder and No Way Jose have been cut.

They join Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, EC3, Eric Young, Heath Slater, and Lio Rush who were released earlier in the afternoon.

It's a dark day for WWE, with the company forced to release so many members of their staff due to coronavirus.

As of writing, a number of other producers - Lance Storm, Dave Finlay and Shane Helms - have been furloughed alongside Angle.

Angle released a statement shortly after being released:

"I wanted [to] 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."

Rusev indicated his departure by tweeting: 'Thank you all, Rusev out!'

Meanwhile, Drake Maverick, who was one of the first names WWE announced to cut, posted a very emotional video on his Twitter:

My immediate thoughts.@WWE @WWENXT #WWE #NXT @TripleH @ShawnMichaels #Cruiserweight pic.twitter.com/Afw58V7eo1

— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) April 15, 2020

A truly dark day for wrestling - and there will likely be more cuts in the coming days.

Former United States and Tag Team champion Zack Ryder shared an art print of him celebrating with his father after winning the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 32.

The only thing I wanted to do in life was wrestle. I’m grateful I spent 14 years living my dream in WWE. Thanks to my fans & everyone who believed in me. As I was getting released, I was looking at this photo & smiling. I’m #AlwayzReady & beyond excited for the future. #NotThere pic.twitter.com/uKRVK7FboI

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) April 15, 2020

‘The only thing I wanted to do in life was wrestle. I’m grateful I spent 14 years living my dream in WWE. Thanks to my fans & everyone who believed in me,’ he tweeted.

‘As I was getting released, I was looking at this photo & smiling. I’m #AlwayzReady & beyond excited for the future. #NotThere (sic)’

April 16, 2020