WWE post-merger staff layoffs to begin on Friday

Following the official launch of TKO earlier this week that will combine the forces of both WWE and UFC, the expected reductions in staffing as a result of the merger will begin on Friday.

WWE sent out an internal email to employees Thursday confirming the “workforce reductions,” asking that employees work remotely to “insure all conversations are handled privately and respectfully.”

WWE has approximately 800 employees and it’s unknown how many will be laid off. By comparison, three months after Endeavor purchased UFC in 2016, they reportedly laid off less than 15% of their workforce.

From the email sent to employees:

“As part of WWE’s transition into the newly formed TKO Group Holdings, we are evaluating our existing operations and systems to identify potential synergies across the business. This effort includes workforce reductions, which will take place tomorrow.

Those whose roles have been impacted will be notified by our Human Resources Team, who will share the details of their severance package. We are asking that everyone work remotely, Friday September 15th, so we can insure all conversations are handled privately and respectfully. We’ll send out a company-wide email once all of tomorrow’s conversations have happened. 

Our company is home to the most talented, creative, and hard-working employees in the world. WWE is a special place, which makes moments like this difficult. Just know that we have nothing but gratitude and admiration for everyone we have had the privilege to work alongside.

Thank you for all your contributions and dedication.”

It’s unknown if there will also be layoffs within UFC. As of this writing, there have been no reports of a similar email going out to their employees.