10 Biggest WWE Roster Cuttings Ever
4. January 2009
The American economic downturn of the time led to many businesses trimming payroll, not just WWE, though the wrestling giant certainly took the knife to the fat. In the midst of the gutting, around two dozen performers were excised, including rarely-used veterans like Val Venis, Hardcore Holly, and D-Lo Brown (who had returned in 2008).
The retired Ron Simmons was also released, as were referees Jim Korderas and Tim White. Victoria also parted ways with the company, plying her trade in TNA not long after as "Tara". Ten years earlier, that list of cuts would have been surprising.
Throughout the remainder of the year, upper-carders like JBL (retirement), Mr. Kennedy, Umaga, and Jeff Hardy would all depart, though their exits were a bit more spaced out.