WWE Star Begged To Stop Firing: ‘I Bought A House’

Kevin Kelly, a former host, announcer, and interviewer for WWE, joined the promotion in 1996 and became a prominent figure within the company. Despite his contributions, Kelly found himself on the verge of being fired in 2001. However, he was able to keep his job by using a clever negotiating tactic.

 


 

In an interview with the Insiders Edge podcast, Kelly recounted the moment he was asked to leave by Jim Ross. Kelly had just purchased a house, and the closing was scheduled for just a few weeks away. He realized that he couldn’t afford to lose his job and simply refused to be let go.

“I’ve already told my landlord that I’m moving. I’m buying a house,” Kelly explained to Ross. “Do you even know what I do, JR? Do you even know how many hats I wear? Who is going to do all the jobs that I do if you’re letting me go? We need to talk about this because it’s not going to work for me.”

Surprisingly, Ross relented, and Kelly was able to keep his job for a few more years. When he was eventually let go in 2003, he requested extra months of severance pay. Despite being employed for almost seven years, Kelly believed he deserved more than the standard four months of severance.

“I had two or three jobs at a time, I would like six months severance please. I feel I deserve it,” Kelly requested. The lady he spoke to agreed, and he received the extra months of severance pay. The additional pay came in handy, as Kelly was out of a job for 11 months and had bills to pay.

Kelly’s story serves as a testament to the power of negotiation and standing up for oneself. By refusing to be fired and asking for what he felt he deserved, Kelly was able to keep his job for a few more years and receive extra severance pay when he was eventually let go.

Harrison Carter
Harrison Carter
Harrison Carter has been a huge pro wrestling fan since 2002, and it's been his first love ever since then. He has years of writing experience for all things pro wrestling. His interests outside of wrestling include films, books and soccer.

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