Several WWE Wrestlers Are Released

World Wrestling Entertainment reportedly released several wrestlers shortly after its announced $1.4 billion new television deal with NBCUniversal.

TKO Group Holdings, the media conglomerate launched as part of WWE’s merger with the parent company of the UFC, reportedly agreed to a five-year domestic media rights partnership with NBCUniversal, with its television program, SmackDown, set to return to USA Network. 

The deal, which does not include WWE’s RAW or NXT programs that currently air on USA Network, is reported to pay an average of $287 million per year, an estimated 40% increase from the five-year, $205 million deal with FOX for SmackDown.

Shortly after the reported deal, the releases of several notable in-ring competitors was announced.

Former world champion Dolph Ziggler and former Intercontinental champion Shelton Benjamin were among several of those released, along with Emma, Rick Boogs, Aliyah, Elias, Riddick Moss and Top Dolla of the group ‘Hit Row.’