Today is expected to be a somber one for WWE, as yesterday, Nick Khan sent out an internal email letting employees know they are to work remotely today. The reason for keeping everyone at home is because the company will institute “workforce reductions,” or more plainly, layoffs. As Khan explained, there will be private conversations with the Human Resources Team that they would like to have handled respectfully. The layoffs are taking place due to the WWE and UFC merger and the redundancies it creates in multiple departments.
PWInsider reports that the layoffs have officially begun, as Executive Vice President of Development and Digital Jamie Horowitz has been let go. Prior to being hired by WWE in June 2021, Horowitz served as the Executive Vice President of Global Content at DAZN. It was noted that he was brought into the company by now-WWE President Nick Khan, so it is somewhat surprising he was released. Wrestlenomics has also been able to confirm that Horowitz has been laid off.
As Haus of Wrestling reported last night, major cuts to the WWE main and NXT rosters are expected but may not take place today. You can find Khan’s full email to Titan Tower employees, which we have been able to verify, below.
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.
Nick Khan