The WWE roster is scaling down following a brand new tv rights announcement within the aftermath of a serious merger. Matt Riddle, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin and Mustafa Ali are among the many WWE superstars which have been launched following the corporate’s announcement of a TV deal for SmackDown, in keeping with a number of reviews.
Riddle, a one-time UFC fighter who received a number of titles in WWE, introduced his launch Friday: “Simply wished to tell everybody that I am not with WWE. Thanks for the reminiscences and alternatives additionally thanks to all of the followers for the assist and love you give me each time I’m going out to the ring. See you all quickly.”
A five-year stint with WWE started in NXT the place Riddle turned a fast-rising star who earned promotion to the principle roster. His biggest success got here teaming with Randy Orton as RK-Bro, an odd couple babyface tag staff that twice received the Uncooked tag staff championship. Riddle additionally held the US title and NXT tag staff championship (with Pete Dunne). Nonetheless, a number of behavioral points — together with a current public outburst at a New York airport — made him a legal responsibility for WWE.
Ziggler is a former two-time world heavyweight champion and Cash within the Financial institution winner who was developing on 20 years with the corporate. Benjamin was a multi-time titleholder who confirmed introduced his launch. Elias shared a tweet reflecting on his WWE journey.
Mustafa Ali, Emma, Madcap Moss and former WWE ladies’s tag staff champion Aliyah had been amongst superstars who 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 will probably be up to date as information emerges.
WWE superstars launched this week
- Matt Riddle
- Dolph Ziggler
- Shelton Benjamin
- Elias
- Mustafa Ali
- Emma
- Riddick Moss
- Aliyah
- Prime Dolla
- Rick Boogs
- Mace
- Mansoor
- Dana Brooke
- Dabba Kato
- Shanky
- Ikemen Jiro
- Yulisa Leon
- Quincy Elliott
- Bryson Montana
- Kevin Ventura-Cortez
- Daniel McArthur
- Alexis Grey
- Brooklyn Barlow
- Abule Abadi-Fitzgerald
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 present airs Monday Night time Uncooked and NXT on Tuesdays, each of which can reportedly transfer off of the community, in keeping with The Hollywood Reporter.
The newest string of releases comes after the launch of TKO. TKO is a media conglomerate created by Endeavor, which merged WWE and UFC mum or dad firm Zuffa. WWE and UFC proceed to function as separate entities however achieve this underneath 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 workers, most of whom had been off-camera WWE workers, had been laid off earlier this month as a part of finances cuts, in keeping with PW Insider.
