WWE let scores of roster staff go
in drastic cost cutting measures
The week has been a long and
testing one in WWE, especially for eleven members of the payroll. WWE released
eleven employees from its roster last Thursday after reports WWE were “allowing
contracts to run out” and would not be renewing them.
The money saving extravaganza is
said to be a decision brought on by the ill-fated WWE Network which is costing
way over budget for WWE to barely make a profit let alone break even. They hope
the international release markets will boost the revenues after last month WWE
Chairman Vince McMahon believed he was lied to by his money making teams.
If the projections are dipping
into WWE’s purse at such an alarming rate then they really should consider
pulling the plug on the Network before they get in too deep, regardless of
trying to make the concept work. It was doomed from the get go. Let it go and
save finances. It is nothing special, anyway.
The eleven talents released are
listed below, with brief analysis of their departures.
The first batch of no surprises
were the unfortunate Yoshi Tatsu,
who never got a break, benched high flyer Evan
Bourne, who WWE gave numerous chances to and Curt Hawkins. Joining them were JTG
(who many were shocked lasted this long) and Camacho. There was no place for him since he lost his tag partner
to a blue mask.
Slight shocks but not massively
were the releases of Brodus Clay,
whom WWE could have make a bigger headliner if it tried and Aksana, who WWE had grand plans for to
be the next star diva. Despite her efforts with training, she just didn’t have
enough in the tank.
Theodore Long also joined the list after years with WWE as did two
members of 3MB, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre. Since being “the chosen
one” McIntyre was never fit enough to make it. It’s just how it goes in WWE. Referee
Marc Harris who was upset with
another referee months ago over a botched finish was not respected for such
outburst and was sent packing.
Before Monday’s Raw, Chairman McMahon let lead writer
Jay Gibson go as well.
More are said to follow. WWE hasn’t
had its annual culls for at least two years so it was inevitable that some
releases were on the way at some point. It was simply the timing that was most
surprising to fans.
Though more are to go, WWE have a
few names it should, feasibly, let go. The ignorant Kalisto in NXT, who shows
no real skill in developmental should not have been lured by egotist fan
approval seeker Triple H. It should let him go and focus on overs. Same goes
for equally ignorant loser Solomon Crowe. They just don’t have it.
Ryback, of course, is never going
to materialise and the best thing WWE can do is let him leave. Jack Swagger
adds nothing and would also be an adequate release. Cameron is absolutely hopeless,
but WWE are low on divas again, and don’t want wrestling females. They already
sent out requests for more models.
There is growing restlessness in
WWE that the Network is costing performers chances at earning pay and
television time.
Ex-WWE nomad Chris Jericho stuck
the boot in for good measure too. Ever critical of WWE, inclusive of his rude
attitude toward being named No.10 best speakers in a WWE list (which is
generous) Y2J spoke of the releases. Talking about Drew McIntyre, Jericho said “When
you’re in 3MB it’s the end of the road” and praised Drew as “unique” as “he’s
got the Scottish accent.” Delusional Jericho cheered fan favourite pint sized
luchador Evan Bourne and tried to get both of them and line himself up for a
job with the new Global Wrestling Force arrival later this year. Jeff Jarrett
should not be taking advice from a wannabe rock star failure if he wants a
serious and credible brand untainted by ignorance. Jericho is the past, not the
future. His radio rants will keep him happy in his sandbox with the fans. As a
credible force in wrestling, leave it to the professionals.
David Otunga and Justin Gabriel
are likely to go soon. WWE have quite a lot of announcers too, and Layla, Xavier
Woods and The Great Khali are strong possibilities to go later. I don’t know why,
but Tom Phillips has a cute smile and I’d like the opportunity to see more of
him and have a chance.
WWE could and should invest more
time in developmental, acquire the correct and non-ignorant and wasteful losers
who won’t contribute to a future. It needs to call up some new faces, but have
strong options too. It shouldn’t be rushed, but many care and attention is
needed, not Triple H’’s call ups to get fan approval. The recent calls of Paige
and Adam Rose have been pathetic wastes of time. Paige has injured divas in the
ring and been highly inexperienced and insufficient. These decisions make WWE
look entirely weak, something they hate to be seen as. Rose is a no-hoper. Even
choosing daft jobbers as his entourage contains levels of ignorance that ruins
the company honour.
WWE seriously need to think about
restructuring its management team, creative issues, call ups and outside
influences that could really deliver for the company. Failing this, WWE has a
tough few years ahead which could be a crippling loss for the future of its wrestling
empire.
©
Max Waltham 18th June 2014
