WWE Releases Wrestlers, Furloughs Staff Amid Coronavirus Crunch

An Olympic gold medalist and the longest-tenured referee in WWE's history were among dozens of cuts the sports entertainment behemoth made as the new coronavirus crisis tightened its headlock on the entertainment business.

WWE announced Wednesday it released on-screen talent and furloughing others in the company. Among the biggest names the company let go were Kurt Angle, a multi-time WWE champion who won gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and recently transitioned to a backstage role; Mike Chioda, who refereed some of the biggest matches in professional wrestling history over his more than two decades with the company; and Zack Ryder and Rusev, two active wrestlers who had worn championship gold not long ago.

You can see a full list of who was let go on WWE's website.

The company, which has been restricted to performing in its empty Orlando training center, is one of the very few professional athletic businesses still operating.

But without any gate revenue — including missing out on the massive haul from WrestleMania, which took place in the Performance Center as opposed to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa — WWE said it needed to restructure the company's finances. Executives will be taking pay cuts and the construction on the company's new headquarters is being delayed.

True to form, WWE's continued operation hasn't been without controversy. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has faced heat for deeming the company "essential" as it operates out of its Performance Center in Orlando.

DeSantis was asked by reporters if the company's ties to President Trump played a part in his decision. CEO Vince McMahon's wife, Linda, served on President Trump's cabinet as small business administrator until last year. She now chairs a pro-Trump super PAC that last week announced it was spending more than $18 million to advertise in Florida.

DeSantis denied politics playing a role in his decision.