It was announced earlier today that WWE would be either letting go on placing some of their employees on furlough (leave of absence). This is as a result of cutting costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarah Logan was the first female in-ring talent that has been released from the company. Below is the list of those that have been confirmed as being released or furloughed at this time:
Stock has been a trainer for NXT since 2015. She is also known for her time in TNA as Sarita where she became a two-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion. Stock also served as a producer. It is being mentioned that she is furloughed during this time.
Maria Kanellis –
Kanellis returned to WWE in 2017 along with her husband Mike Bennett. Their gimmick was surrounded by the vision of “the power of love.” Mike would also adopt Kanellis’ last name within the company. They both spent the majority of their time on 205 Live. Maria would be brought into the 24/7 Championship chase where she would win the title from her husband only to lose it back to him.
She also participated in the women’s Royal Rumble in 2019 and was also in the Battle Royal at the Evolution pay-per-view in 2018. Maria is currently out on leave from having her second child prior to her release. Mike has also been released by the company. Both had recently signed new five-year deals.
Purrazzo signed with the company in 2018. She participated in the second Mae Young Classic Tournament. Although never having a serious push or storyline with the company she did form a tag team with Chelsea Green known as VXT. This team was mostly used at live shows and never made it to the televised NXT.
She had a few matches on Main Event and RAW. Most recently losing to the returning Nia Jax.
Dave Fit Finlay –
This may be a women’s wrestling website, but let’s be honest, we wouldn’t have a lot of the talented women we have seen if it wasn’t for Mr. Finlay (especially through the Divas Era). Along with his own in-ring career, Finlay has trained countless women throughout his tenure.
He was truly behind women going from just bra and panties matches to main event status. Finlay had a hand in training the likes of Ashley, Candice Michelle, Gail Kim, Jillian Hall, Melina, Molly Holly, and Trish Stratus (just to name a few). His attributes have continued in the modern day as a producer. #ThankYouFinlay
Much like Purrazzo, Jenkins signed with WWE in 2018. She participated in the second Mae Young Classic Tournament. She lost in the first round to Rhea Ripley. She frequented as a tag team with Briana Brandy at live shows. Jenkins was in the last NXT Battle Royal in January for a number one contender spot.
Since there will unfortunately be more releases coming from the company, please check back with this post to see updates throughout this trying time.
Diva Dirt wishes the best for all the talent/employees being released by the company.
