The last week in WWE has led many, including the editorial staff of this magazine, to some serious soul searching about their very fandom and if they can follow a company that does what it has done, and more specifically the attitude of its owner. However, on reflection, we are journalists and we must tell the story as we see it. Without favour. So for the record, from press releases, tweets and reactions this has been the week in the WWE.
9th April 2020
Gov. Ron DeSantis deems WWE pro wrestling ‘essential business’ amid statewide stay-at-home order. https://t.co/l91K5NlLjc
— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) April 14, 2020
WWE having come out of WrestleMania with a taped series of shows because of the COVID-19 restrictions in most US states. Hours before Monday Night RAW was due to be shown, Governor Ron DeSantis (Republican) announces that professional wrestlers are “essential workers” and can perform freely in the state. It emerges that Gov. DeSantis has strong links with Linda McMahon who had given around $20 Million to the state of Florida through her Super Pac, the day before his ruling on the status of WWE performers.
The XFL has suspended all operations and currently has no plans to return in 2021, sources tell @SeifertESPN and @FieldYates. https://t.co/64GOcCL9J8
— ESPN (@espn) April 10, 2020
The XFL announces the suspension of operations, releases all players and talent from their contracts and is put up for sale, filing for bankruptcy. The league had been a critical success and was widely lauded for its professional outlay. The league nearly made it to the end of its first season, however, the COVID-19 restrictions put an end to play. McMahon sets off on the long trek to find a buyer.
13th April 2020
Jerry Lawler just called Tozawa’s senton on Austin Theory the “Ramen Noodle Moonsault”. #WWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/wi9zor3o2b
— Get The Tables (@GetDaTables) April 14, 2020
During the Monday Night RAW production, WWE comes under pressure for asking a seventy-year-old Jerry Lawler to fly across the country for commentary. Lawler makes a racist comment concerning Akira Tozawa and is widely panned for it. The next day Jim Cornette jumps to his defence.
So now people are mad at @JerryLawler for telling a joke. Now I understand why modern wrestling sucks, because most modern wrestling fans are such whiny little pussies they don’t DESERVE good wrestling. How do these people go out in public without breaking out in tears? #WHINE
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) April 14, 2020
This does not reduce the controversy.
April 14th
The mysterious story of Jimmy Snuka, whose girlfriend Nancy Argentino died in their motel room in 1983—and her family’s 30 year struggle for justice. @darksideofring, Tuesday 10p. pic.twitter.com/HRajp9CJ8j
— VICE TV (@VICETV) April 10, 2020
Vice’s Dark Side of the Ring documentary series looks back at the Jimmy Snuka controversy of 1983. The scandal has been widely reported down the years within wrestling, but it is the first time that the whole story has been widely reported by mainstream media since the case was reported in 1983. A deep dive investigation by the show into the death of Nancy Argento brings more negative publicity to the WWE.
15th April 2020
BREAKING: WWE has come to terms on the release of Drake Maverick (James Curtin), Curt Hawkins (Brian Myers), Karl Anderson (Chad Allegra), EC3 (Michael Hutter) and Lio Rush (Lionel Green). We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. https://t.co/cX449nNSLU
— WWE (@WWE) April 15, 2020
WWE announces the departure of over 30 in-ring talents and producers including Rusev, Kurt Angle, David Finlay, Shane Helms, Deonna Purazo, Aiden English and EC3. Many other talents are furloughed. Having been told that day of their futures Drake Maverick is one of the first to make public comments.
My immediate thoughts.@WWE @WWENXT #WWE #NXT @TripleH @ShawnMichaels #Cruiserweight pic.twitter.com/Afw58V7eo1
— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) April 15, 2020
Seth Rollins records a message for fans which is pilloried as he exclaims that he “Can’t understand the negativity towards WWE.”
He is asked about his commentary by Independent wrestler David Starr;
Do you mean rally behind an industry or rally behind a company? https://t.co/oatYyYNG9f
— (((David Starr)))? (@TheProductDS) April 16, 2020
Rollins responds;
I very much mean an industry, David. I came from nothing. I have friends and students at every level and they’ve all been decimated by this pandemic. As the shutdown took hold of my WWE family yesterday, I felt a deep sadness. I want us all to lift each other up. https://t.co/POiRMeW12t
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) April 16, 2020
Vince McMahon is named amongst a large panel of businessmen and legislators to aid President Trump in getting America “Open for business” in a post coronavirus world.
Donald Trump names WWE’s Vince McMahon as adviser to restart US economy
16th April
“Iconic” is an understatement.
Remembering WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel. https://t.co/kKSyrflkrg pic.twitter.com/vmj7aJyH43
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2020
WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel, “The Fink”, legendary ring announcer passes away aged 69.
Fightful Select (paywall) reveal a transcript of a video produced by WWE of Vince McMahon explaining the situation to employees. McMahon sates;
“Effective immediately, we are reducing executive and board member compensation, decreasing talent expenses, cutting third party staffing and consulting, and improving our cash flow by delaying the production of our new headquarters for at least six months. Despite all these measures, given the uncertainty we are facing today, unfortunately, we have to temporarily reduce headcount. As such, a number of WWE employees will be furloughed from the company today.”
I think on the flip side we should be congratulating companies like ROH, Impact, NJPW, AEW, Bellator and others who have guaranteed contracts and right now zero profit margin or huge reserves who thus far have actually bent over backwards not to do this. https://t.co/9YpmvwtvKZ
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 15, 2020
It becomes clear that WWE is the only major player in the wrestling industry to make mass cuts of this type.