WWE Lays Off Many Employees, Merging Digital And TV Departments
WWE is making department changes, leading to many employees being laid off.
Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reports WWE is merging the Advanced Media Group and TV departments, leading to layoffs from departments including WWE.com and YouTube, along with editorial and production.
Sapp added, “There are some HR exit meetings set for this afternoon for many of those who were let go by WWE. There are some high-ranking people in those departments and longtime supervisors among the cuts.”
Mike Johnson at PWInsider reports Brian Pellegatto, who served as Senior Vice President of Production, and Jaylar Donlan, who served as Executive Vice President of Advanced Media Group, were among the layoffs.
Johnson also reports that the divisions that are folded together will be overseen by Executive Vice President of Television Production Kevin Dunn. Johnson noted on the departments merging, “the company has determined there were too many redundancies across multiple departments in those areas.” Johnson adds that international office staff members were also released.
Alex McCarthy of TalkSPORT reports International Vice President of Communications for WWE Dan Humphreys was released and that international offices have lost a ‘large portion’ of their staff.
Deadline reports WWE Studios also saw heavy cuts in an effort to streamline the division.
In addition to the release of Jaylar Donlan, Wrestlenomics reported Jay Rosenstock, who led international TV, was also terminated among at least 35 other employees. Vice president of media operations, Makham Nolan has also been let go.
Wrestlenomics also stated that a meeting for all employees is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, which may address today’s lay-offs.
James Wortman, whose Twitter now lists him as a former content director in WWE, tweeted out his gratitude after 11 years with the company.
This isn’t something I expected to say today or on any day, but I am no longer with WWE after 11 years.
Thank you to all of the friends I’ve made during that time and to the talented people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
It’s not goodbye, it’s “see you down the road.” pic.twitter.com/0PdU4VWKFt
— James Wortman (@JamesWortman) May 25, 2021
Adam Kirshner, who served as the Manager in Media & Metadata Operations for WWE also announced his release.
As of today I am no longer with WWE. I’ve had a tremendous career and had the honor to build the greatest team. From first ever dotcom intern to a leader I’ve seen and done it all. I am truly looking forward to giving this same 110% and then some where ever I land.
— Adam Kirshner (@AKirshner123) May 25, 2021
WWE confirmed the exit of lead Raw announcer Adnan Virk on Tuesday afternoon, saying he and the company mutually agreed to part ways.
Fightful will continue to update fans on the department changes made in WWE as more is known.
