Vince McMahon Set to Make Further WWE Budget Cuts

In 2014, WWE’s financial struggles have been evident due to the loss in pay-per-view revenue caused by the WWE Network, in addition to a new television deal with NBCUniversal, which didn’t deliver. Because of the struggles, WWE has made a substantial number of budget cuts. It released 11 of its personnel in just one day, fired the head writer for “Monday Night Raw,” and let Josh Mathews go. Additionally, exclusive WWE Network content has been scrapped in “Raw” and “Smackdown” post-shows, in addition to the “Smackdown” pre-show.

In the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is noted that Vince McMahon is calling for even more budget cuts. These cuts would be even greater than the aforementioned releases. Part of McMahon’s reasoning has to do with WWE’s projected losses decreasing from what they were in in June. The latest projection in losses is in the eight figures. If the budget cuts are indeed working, it should not be surprising that even greater ones may be in store down the road.

Within WWE, there is a tremendous fear that these cuts will occur. The feeling is that the cuts will be major ones, besides the talent and production cuts which have already been put in to action.

The newsletter also goes on to state that WWE’s new television deal is the main reason for what is about to unfold. The increase in money from the deal was far less than what WWE anticipated. The company was banking on a large increase due to its belief that the WWE Network would go through “growing pains.”

Editor’s Note

I could only imagine how WWE would top its previous budget cuts. Definitely something to keep an eye out for in the coming weeks.