Last week WWE’s deal with Endeavor officially closed and the company merged with UFC to form TKO. Over 100 WWE employees were let go which led to a lot of speculation regarding whether or not the company would be releasing talent. Well that appears to be the case as WWE released the following names today:

– Dolph Ziggler
– Shelton Benjamin
– Elias
– Emma
– Mustafa Ali
– Rick Boogs
– Emma
– Mustafa Ali
– Aliyah
– Top Dolla

Fightful Select reports that there was some frustration among members of the roster who spoke on the subject due to WWE announcing a $1.4 billion dollar deal for SmackDown then cutting talent.

One top star commented on the releases and said that many on the list barely had a chance considering they weren’t booked noting that it was a circle they couldn’t have escaped.

Several talent said that they thought the days of mass releases were behind them, and deals would simply be left to expire. Sources also noted that mass cuts were not discussed under Triple H and that these releases are in direct correlation with the merger. Stay tuned for more updates on WWE releases as they become available.