WWE Wrestlers React To Being Released By Promotion

WWE Wrestlers React To Being Released By Promotion

The WWE sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling world on Wednesday by dramatically cutting the roster. Since then, even more talent has been let go.

Wrestlers, backstage producers and personalities were all among those handed their releases in the biggest single-day firing the sport has ever seen. All of this came hours after Vince McMahon held a special meeting.

One of the biggest names released was former champion and hall of farmer Kurt Angle. Following his retirement, the Olympic gold medalist was working as a backstage producer for the promotion.

I wanted 2 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. #itstrue

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 15, 2020

Rusev, who has held a key spot on WWE television for several years now, posted “Thank you All, Rusev out!” on Twitter regarding his release.

Drake Maverick held the cruiserweight title within WWE and offered up his thoughts on the moves by the promotion hours after news broke.

I wanted 2 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. #itstrue

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) April 15, 2020

Longtime Veterans Let Go

The list also includes referees, according to a report by Justin LaBar. Mike Chioda has been a key member of the promotion for over three decades.

Chioda was the longest-tenured referee before the release. The 53-year-old was helped by Gorilla and Joey Monsoon to break into the business.

Wow. Referee Mike Chioda has been cut. He’s been with #WWE since 1989. I DON’T KNOW FOR SURE but suspect he might be classified as an employee. If so, a chance he’s back when they get to the other side of this pandemic.

— Justin LaBar (@JustinLaBar) April 15, 2020

Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows were part of the “Boneyard Match” at WrestleMania 36 to support AJ Styles against The Undertaker. The two were two-time WWE tag team champions and also captured the 2019 WWE Tag Team World Cup.

WWE Wrestlers React In A Positive Way Despite Being Released

For some, like Curt Hawkins, this is not the first time he’s been sent to the unemployment line. However, it “feels” different, he noted.

“Last time I got fired I had a really funny tweet in response to it,” he wrote. “Doesn’t really feel appropriate today. I will say this, a lot of very talented ppl lost their jobs today and out of this disaster the PRO WRESTLING community will rise stronger than ever!”

Last time I got fired I had a really funny tweet in response to it. Doesn’t really feel appropriate today. I will say this, a lot of very talented ppl lost their jobs today and out of this disaster the PRO WRESTLING community will rise stronger than ever! ??

— Brian Myers (@TheCurtHawkins) April 15, 2020

Dave “Fit” Finlay has worked behind the scenes for several years now after a career that got a kick-start in WCW.

To everyone on Gods green earth. Thank you for the kind words. I’ve been doing this for 46 years(Wrestling)I pray you all get through this and we can share a hug and drink again. Stay healthy. (SD)

— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) April 15, 2020

To all my friends,fans. And family. This is a crazy time and I want to say thanks to @WWEUniverse and everyone I’ve ever shared ring time with, working with or teaching. Stay safe. Especially to all the amazing girls (women) I’ve had the honor to work with. Stay safe y’all.

— Fit Finlay (@ringfox1) April 15, 2020

We’re all a family, and that’s never been more apparent than right now. Love, gratitude, and respect. ❤️

— Sarah Stock (@SSDarkAngel) April 15, 2020