WWE released multiple main roster superstars on Wednesday afternoon. 

Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, EC3, Eric Young, Heath Slater,  and Lio Rush have all been released with immediate effect.

Producers Lance Storm, Dave Finlay and Shane Helms have also been let go. 

Mass talent cuts were expected following Vince McMahon's business update conference call, which revealed the company were making special measures during the coronavirus. 

WWE wished them all the best in their future endeavours and offered the following statement following the business update: 

"Due to COVID-19 and current government-mandated impacts on WWE and the media business generally, the Company went through an extensive evaluation of its operations over the past several weeks.

"This analysis resulted in the implementation of various short-term cost reductions and cash flow improvement actions including:

  • Reducing executive and board member compensation;
  • Decreasing operating expenses;
  • Cutting talent expenses, third party staffing and consulting;
  • Deferring spend on the build out of the Company’s new headquarters for at least six months

"Given the uncertainty of the situation, the Company also identified headcount reductions and made the decision to furlough a portion of its workforce effective immediately.

The decision to furlough versus permanently reduce headcount reflects the fact that the Company currently believes the furlough will be temporary in nature."

WWE also announced these staff cuts will save them $4 million a month.