Deemed an essential business during COVID-19, WWE’s “sports entertainment” continues to air their weekly programming and staging their usual storylines. This time, however, the trash talk in the ring is no longer overshadowed by the chants of thrilled fans in the stands.
A lack of a live audience was not the only effect of the coronavirus on WWE however, as the company decided to give many of their performers the boot shortly after they were given the green light to continue their live events. In a statement posted on their official website, the WWE announced the release of the following wrestlers: Kurt Angle, Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Heath Slater, Eric Young, EC3, Aiden English, Lio Rush, Sarah Logan, Erick Rowan, Primo, Epico, Mike Kanellis, Maria Kanellis, Zack Ryder, No Way Jose, Rusev, as well as referee Mike Chioda.
While WWE wished the performers well in their future endeavors, the news of their release resulted in mixed responses from the fans. Considering WWE’s financial difficulties especially in a time of no ticket sales, it isn’t surprising they’d attempt to cut costs of wrestlers they feel are harder to promote in the current market.
Regardless of the situation, most fans expressed sadness in seeing some of their favorites go, especially since they believe it comes from the company’s greed.
Via Youtube comments.
Though most are unhappy with the decision, other fans see nothing new with the release of talent, as the same happens every year after Wrestlemania. Other fans remained hopeful that the talent’s release will be a blessing in disguise with better opportunities in their horizon.
As expected, the stars took to social media to release their own statements and thank the fans for their support even through hard times.
While fans also had conflicting thoughts on WWE expecting their talent to perform in the current circumstances putting their health at risk, they look forward to one of the few sports-like live entertainments on T.V. right now.
Whether the talent was complacent with being released because they felt unsafe performing anyway, or whether it broke their hearts, fans will continue to support their favorite wrestlers regardless of where they go. As for the WWE, only time will tell if they’ll be faced with the decision to release more talent should COVID-19 safety measures be prolonged further.
Cover image via: WWE.com
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