WWE Rumor Roundup - Undertaker's friend returning after two decades at Survivor Series, Aalyah's marriage, Veterans released from company - 9th November 2020

#3 Several WWE employees released from the company

As reported by PWInsider, WWE released several staff members this past Friday, which mostly included backstage personnel and members from the logistical teams who worked at Stamford, Connecticut.

A WWE source told PWInsider that around 10-15 members were let go by the company. The most notable name from the list of releases includes Tony Chimel, a long-time announcer for WWE. Chimel started working for the WWE in 1991, and in recent years, took up a backstage role. Chimel worked as a production manager and assisted with supervising the ring crew of the company.

Chimel was a well-known announcer during his heyday as he was mainly known for introducing 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge.

Amongst the list of releases, WWE's Director of Venue Merchandise Remote Operations Derek Casselman also lost his job. Casselman had been in the company since 1993.

Super Luchas also added that Jerry Soto, the third member of WWE's Spanish broadcast team, was also released on November 6th.

Soto began working for WWE in 2011 after he was brought in to replace the legendary Hugo Savinovich.

Jerry Soto issued the following statement following his release:

"Hi. Officially I don't have a job. I take a little of your time to tell you that I have been on temporary layoff (furlough) since April. Now, the time has come to get another job, preferably acting. I write it here so that you have me in mind with employment opportunities. Thanks for your time. "It is not the end, but another beginning. If you've lost your job too, patience, joy and strength, and everyone, a sanitized hug!"

The recent budget cuts mostly pertained to WWE's live event departments, and it's another reminder that the company has no plans of hitting the road anytime soon.