WWE Releases 20 stars: Official reason reportedly given for Dolph Ziggler, other departures

WWE Releases 20 stars: Official reason reportedly given for Dolph Ziggler, other departures

WWE shockingly cut scores of talent Thursday, including Dolph Ziggler, and now an official has commented on the matter.

Back in 2020, the Stamford-based promotion also cut several talents and sent shockwaves through the industry. Many of these stars went on to make a permanent move to AEW or the Independent Circuit. In the wake of the Global Pandemic, WWE claimed the cuts were made due to budgetary reasons, but what led to the releases of names like Dolph Ziggler yesterday?

According to Dave Meltzer in the recent Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), the releases were based on return investments. Meltzer notably added that this information came from a WWE official.

“The key to the releases were talent making main roster money but not being used on the main roster and with the idea that they were not going to be used in the future. ‘It’s time in vs. how much money you are paid vs. return on investment,’ said one WWE official regarding the talent cuts.”

-DAVE MELTZER.

Dolph Ziggler’s near TWO decade career with WWE has come to an end.

Thank you Dolph. pic.twitter.com/pnmt2llEpR

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) September 21, 2023

It’s currently unknown if more talent will be released, but alongside Dolph Ziggler, other shocking departures included Shelton Benjamin, Emma and Elias. Ziggler had notably been with WWE since 2004. Many considered the star a homegrown talent and believed he’d remain with the promotion until his eventual retirement.

Dolph Ziggler opened up about his lack of visibility in WWE only a few months ago

Despite being a former WWE Heavyweight Champion and once a prominent main roster name, Dolph Ziggler pretty much disappeared into obscurity over the past few years. While he had a run with the NXT World Championship, many saw this as a downgrade instead of an elevation. In an interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Ziggler claimed he understood that he wasn’t being.

“So this will, I don’t know, maybe it’ll sound not bitter, whatever. The rest of the interview is bitter; we will take a little break. But I feel I was never in their conversation to be their guy,” Ziggler said. “I understand that. But I go every day. I can try and whittle them down, and maybe in five years; they’ll go hey, we got to let this guy go over. Or hey, in five years, this guy is ready. I know he’s not our top guy, but when this guy has knee surgery, he can slide right in there. And I go, that’ll be my chance, so just always be ready for that. And that happened a couple of times…I got put into a world title match against Sheamus.”

(H/T: WrestleZone).

Dolph Ziggler was in WWE for over 19 years.

It feels weird that he's no longer on the roster. pic.twitter.com/WMy9ZhrUhg

— Pro Wrestling Finesse (@ProWFinesse) September 22, 2023

It remains to be seen if Dolph Ziggler will continue wrestling after his WWE release, as the star has made quite a name for himself in the Standup Comedy scene. Since his younger brother, Ryan Nemeth, is currently signed to AEW, this does open the door to continuing his career there instead. Only time will tell, but it seems like the 43-year-old has a ton of support from fans.

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