Daily Times

World Wrestling Entertainment announced furloughs as it grapples with financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, despite being classified as an “essential service” by Florida’s government and continuing live performances without audiences.

“It’s affecting people’s lives. It’s affecting people’s jobs. It’s affecting the way people make a living,” said Maverick in an emotional Twitter video posted after his release was announced. “It’s not about a title anymore. It’s about my life. It’s about the fate of my family, paying my bills.”

Pro sports were added to a list of businesses permitted to stay open in an April 9 memorandum to include “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience … only if the location is closed to the general public.”

The amendment allows World Wrestling Entertainment, run by CEO Vince McMahon in the Orlando area, to continue putting on shows — without fans.

WWE announced that had it made various moves to cut costs and improve cash flow, including: reducing the salaries of executives and board membes; decreasing operating expenses; cutting talent expenses, third party staffing and consulting; and deferring spending on the construction of the company’s new headquarters for at least six months.

WWE cut a slew of performers, including ones known professionally as Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Anderson and Gallows were both involved in the WrestleMania card earlier this month that largely included taped matches in an empty arena.