World Wrestling Entertainment continues to be the global leader in sports entertainment. However, it seems like the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on its budget, leading to several superstars being released, possibly as a measure of cost-cutting.
In what comes as surprising news for pro-wrestling fans, World Wrestling Entertainment released as many as six superstars from its roster on Wednesday. It included a few top superstars, including former Universal Champion Braun Strowman and former NXT Champion Aleister Black.
"WWE has come to terms on the releases of Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Lana, Murphy, Ruby Riott and Santana Garrett. WWE wishes them the best in all of their future endeavours," said WWE in an official statement.
WWE has released quite a few superstars over the past year as a means of budget cut due to the prevailing pandemic. As per reports, WWE's finances have taken a severe hit during this era due to the lack of ticket sales since the matches are being held behind closed doors. Also, the merchandise sales have taken a hit.
Strowman's release comes as a shocker, as he was one of the top and active superstars recently, involving himself in numerous storylines of late. The former Universal Champion was also in the lines to become a World Champion in the future.
ALSO READ: WWE to welcome back fans from July 16
Also, Black's release is somewhat baffling since he was in the works of being introduced as a new character. Notably, Black's real-life wife, Zelina Vega, was also released by the company earlier this year.
Among the others released, while Lana and Ruby were among the ones active on the rosters, there were no significant plans for them. Moreover, Lana's real-life husband, Rusev, was also released by WWE last year, while he is working with All Elite Wrestling now, where he is the reigning TNT Champion. Meanwhile, Murphy and Santana haven't been used on WWE TV of late, as their release somewhat makes sense.
As of now, it is unclear what the future lies for the released superstars. However, some of the top pro-wrestling companies would undoubtedly be vying for the services of Strowman and Black, along with Murphy, while Lana is likely to join AEW too. In the meantime, here's how the released superstars reacted following their release:
What a chapter in life. Thank you!!!!!
— Braun Strowman (@BraunStrowman)Im gathering my thoughts as this was a complete left field for me as obviously we just started the dark father character but this was it, thank you so much WWE universe for allowing me to create and give you small bits of myself.
— Tommy End (@WWEAleister)yet and I’m excited to see what the next adventure holds. I was lucky enough to work with some of the best talent in the world and learnt a tremendous amount. But trust me... the whole world will know what I meant by “Best Kept Secret”
Thank you all! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WijweDBfCp
I will never forget the fans, and the love they showed me. Whether it was a tank, power-suits, flags, CRUSH, Rusev, 900 partners, weddings or tables: I tried to always entertain you, and you definitely elevated me. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/n7W5i5KAMI
— CJ “Lana” Perry (@LanaWWE)Thank you, 🙏❤️✨
Peace.. Love & ✨ pic.twitter.com/9eLf1hOZ2C
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona