You hate seeing shit like this in any capacity. Unfortunately, a fresh round of releases by WWE was expected — given the UFC merger under the TKO umbrella — which began the other day with office workers and continued today with on-air talent.
The biggest name was undoubtedly Dolph Ziggler who was released after a 20-year run with the company winning a total of 15 titles including the World Heavyweight Championship twice. However, Ziggler seemingly became an afterthought with creative having not been seen on WWE television in quite some time with his last meaningful program happening late last year against Austin Theory.
Other releases include:
- Mustafa Ali
- Rick Boogs
- Emma
- Aliyah
- Elias and Ezekiel
- AJ “Top Dollar” Francis
- Riddick Moss
- Shelton Benjamin
- Quincey Elliott
- Dana Brooke
- Bryson Montana
- Mansoor
- Mace
- Dabba-Kato
- Shanky
- Yulisa Leon
- Daniel McArthur
Benjamin seems like a missed opportunity for WWE, especially considering how good the original Hurt Business was. On that note, there’s no reason the original hurt business couldn’t be what we’re currently seeing with Judgement Day.
Maybe the biggest revelation though was Elias confirming he was in fact Ezekiel. Kevin Owens finally has his vindication.