The WWE roster is scaling down following a brand new tv rights announcement within the aftermath of a significant merger. Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin are among the many WWE superstars reportedly launched following the corporate’s announcement of a TV deal for SmackDown, in accordance with Sean Ross Sapp.
Ziggler is a former world heavyweight champion who was developing on 20 years with the corporate. Benjamin was a multi-time titleholder who confirmed introduced his launch. Elias, who didn’t explicitly verify Sapp’s report, shared a tweet reflecting on his WWE journey.
Mustafa Ali, Emma, Madcap Moss and former WWE ladies’s tag workforce champion Aliyah all publicly confirmed their releases on social media. Ali’s launch was arguably probably the most shocking contemplating he was scheduled to face Dominik Mysterio for the NXT North American championship on the No Mercy occasion on Sept. 30. Extra cuts are anticipated all through the day. Beneath is a listing of all of the confirmed and reported famous person releases that shall be up to date as information emerges.
Wrestlers launched on Thursday
- Dolph Ziggler (reported)
- Shelton Benjamin (introduced)
- Elias (reported)
- Mustafa Ali (introduced)
- Emma (introduced)
- Madcap Moss (introduced)
- Aliyah (introduced)
- Prime Dolla (reported)
- Rick Boogs (reported)
- Dabba Kato
- Bryson Montana
- Shanky
- Mace
- Mansoor
- Quincy Miller
- Dana Brooke
WWE introduced Thursday morning that SmackDown would transfer from Fox to USA Community starting October 2024 as a part of a five-year deal between WWE and NBCUniversal. WWE can even host 4 NBC primetime community specials as a part of the association. USA Community at the moment airs Monday Evening Uncooked and NXT on Tuesdays, each of which is able to reportedly transfer off of the community, in accordance with The Hollywood Reporter.
The most recent string of releases comes after the launch of TKO. TKO is a media conglomerate created by Endeavor, which merged WWE and UFC father or mother firm Zuffa. WWE and UFC proceed to function as separate entities however achieve this below the banner of TKO. The brand new firm formally launched on Sept. 12 with a valuation of $21.4 billion. Endeavor controls 51% of TKO and WWE shareholders personal a 49% stake.
Greater than 100 staff, most of whom have been off-camera WWE workers, have been laid off earlier this month as a part of finances cuts, in accordance with PW Insider.Â