Dolph Ziggler released by WWE
This week, WWE’s TKO era ushered in Black Friday one day early. Unfortunately, for WWE staff, those initials took on a double meaning in recent weeks.
After a wave of releases, overshadowed by The Rock’s return on SmackDown, WWE’s TKO/Endeavor Era struck again, cutting down the talent roster. Among the big names released on Thursday was Dolph Ziggler, who had been with the company for nearly 20 years. Other performers, including Rick Boogs, Aliyah, Top Dolla, Emma, Riddick Moss, and Mustafa Ali, also reportedly received their release, with Ali confirming the news on Twitter.
“I am no longer working with WWE. I look forward to the future. Thank you,” Ali stated.
Shelton Benjamin also announced his release. Benjamin first signed with WWE in 2000, was released in 2010, and made a return in 2017.
“I have been released from my WWE contract,” said Benjamin. “I thank WWE staff, talent, and of course the fans for everything. Something ends, something new begins. Looking forward to my next chapter.”
WWE Releases On September 21, 2023 Amid New TV Deal
- Mustafa Ali
- Rick Boogs
- Aliyah
- Top Dolla of Hit Row
- Tegan Nox
- Emma
- Riddick Moss
- Elias
- Shelton Benjamin
- Dolph Ziggler
- Dana Brooke
- Mansoor
- Mace
- Quincy Elliot
- Dabba-Kato
- Yulisa Leon
In addition to the cost-cutting measures, WWE will further increase its profits through an upcoming TV deal with NBCUniversal. According to CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will return to USA Network in October 2024 as part of a five-year, $287 million per year deal, representing a 40% increase from their previous deal with Fox. However, this increase falls short of WWE CEO Nick Khan’s projected 150% increase.
Shares of TKO dropped by 14% following the announcement.
Throughout the pandemic and leading up to WWE’s sale, cost-cutting measures have become common for the company. With the merger, more cost cuts are expected as Endeavor aims to pay off its $3.2 billion debt from acquiring UFC. Last week, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Wrestling Inc) reported that TKO plans to cut $50-100 million in costs to boost profitability.
Fans are already speculating about the possibility of the released stars moving to AEW. However, AEW is also anticipating a talent exodus as many high-profile contracts are set to expire. AEW recently re-signed The Elite to multi-year deals at a significant amount.
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