WWE boss Vince McMahon is willing to grant releases to ‘just about anyone’ amid coronavirus crisis
WWE chief Vince McMahon is reportedly preparing to accept any departures from the franchise during the coronavirus pandemic.
Several big names including Kurt Angle and Rusev have already been released amid cost cutting measures.
Despite professing to have £400million in cash reserves when the pandemic began, WWE have trimmed £3m off their wage bill by cutting ties with 21 wrestlers.
The majority of those came on a notorious Black Wednesday as the sport dispensed of many recognisable figures.
And the cutbacks may not have stopped with WrestleVotes reporting that McMahon is ready to let go "just about anyone" who wants to step back at this time.
It comes after criticism was aimed at McMahon for arranging a big payout to stockholders as part of WWE's quarterly dividend.
A cash pile of £7.53m is thought to have been dished out with the American billionaire, 74, taking home £2.8m.
WWE's highest-paid stars have so far avoided the chop - the money league topped by £8m-a-year Brock Lesnar before Roman Reigns (£4m), Randy Orton (£3.3m) and Seth Rollins (£3m).
Monday Night Messiah Rollins, 33, has hit back at those criticising WWE's cost-cutting measures during the pandemic.
He posted online: "My heart is broken for the guys and girls who I’m really close with who have had it the worst today.
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“That goes for the talent that you guys love on-screen, but also everyone backstage too, off-screen, who may not get the social media fanfare that some of the talent is getting.
“But one thing I am seeing that is a little upsetting to me is all the negativity and hostility towards WWE.
“This is a difficult day for everyone, for all of us, and I think if ever there was a moment for us to unify, for us to band together and try to do the best we can to keep this business alive the best we know how, this is that moment.
“I think pointing fingers or saying, ‘You should have done this, you should have done that’ is, I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel like the time or the place for it.”
