Real Reason WWE Just Released 18 Wrestlers

Why WWE just let go of Karrion Kross, Nia Jax, Keith Lee, Scarlett, and 14 others...

By Andy H Murray /

WWE

A fresh crop of WWE releases was confirmed on Thursday, with the promotion letting go of Karrion Kross, Keith Lee, Nia Jax, Scarlett, Mia Yim, and more, for a total of 18 roster cuts.

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The latest round of bloodletting means WWE has now let go of a total of 71 wrestlers in 2021. Throughout the year, the vast majority of these have been attributed to "budget cuts", despite WWE currently being more profitable than at any other point in its history.

This is the case once more.

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Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp confirmed as much on Thursday evening, stating that "budget cuts" were given as a reason in an email sent out by WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis:-

WWE held its Q3 2021 earnings call shortly before news of the released wrestlers started spreading across the internet. Its latest set of financial reports saw the promotion announce that the quarter's revenue was up 15% year-over-year, hitting $255.8 million. In addition, WWE has adjusted its profit projections for 2021 as a whole from $270 million - $305 million to $305 million to $315 million, as its business continues to exceed expectations.

WWE has released a short statement on yesterday's releases.

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