WWE have released Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Lana, Ruby Riott, Santana Garrett, and Buddy Murphy. The reason cited was part of budget cuts, and Strowman was being paid $1.2 million per year according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The former WWE Universal Champion signed a new contract in October 2019, so the budget cut regarding Strowman is the WWE’s biggest saving financially from all of the talent cuts in the last year plus during the pandemic.
After that, they also released Bray Wyatt and more NXT Superstars such as Bronson Reed and Bobby Fish. Now NXT is set to undergo a massive change including a new logo and Vince McMahon and Bruce Prichard will be taking charge of the black and gold brand.
The company also recently shut down their Japan division, releasing over 100 employees in the process. According to Tokyo Sports, the company will no longer tour in Japan after their latest dissolution.
With the dissolution of WWE Japan, the group’s performances in Japan from next year onwards are completely blank. The office in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo will be withdrawn. In addition, some staff will continue to work, and it is expected that news distribution and SNS operation to Japan will continue.
