Long-term WWE Employees Among Latest Cuts
Summary
– WWE and UFC merged last year, leading to staff layoffs that have continued into 2024.
– Senior VP of Entertainment Relations Kristen Prouty, instrumental in signing Logan Paul, was released after nearly 25 years with WWE.
– Tavia Hartley, an appearances manager and part of Talent Operations since 2021 was also released.
The merger between WWE and UFC, finalized in September of last year, has resulted in significant organizational changes and staff reductions within WWE. These layoffs, which have extended into 2024, are part of TKO Group Holdings’ efforts to streamline operations and maximize revenue.
Fightful Select recently confirmed a new round of layoffs, including some long-term WWE employees. Kristen Prouty, who had been with WWE for nearly 25 years, was among those released. Prouty, the senior vice president of entertainment relations, was instrumental in helping WWE secure high-profile signings, such as the current United States champion, Logan Paul.
Another notable layoff was Tavia Hartley, who joined WWE in 2021. Hartley worked as an appearances manager and was part of Talent Operations. The reasons behind these specific layoffs remain uncertain. Still, they coincide with the merger of UFC and WWE live events divisions, which could be aimed at cost-cutting within certain backstage roles across both organizations.
There have been no reports of talent releases in this latest round of cuts. Fightful Select reached out to WWE for confirmation regarding further layoffs or individual names but has yet to receive a response. The last major talent releases by WWE occurred last April during the “WWE Draft” weekend, which saw several main roster and NXT names, including Jinder Mahal, Cameron Grimes, and Xia Li, let go.
The ongoing restructuring under TKO Group Holdings continues to impact WWE staff, reflecting broader changes in the company’s operational strategy following the merger with UFC.
