80+ WWE Employees Fired, Thorn Taking Bookings, TNA Sells Out

TNA debuted in Wilson, NC last night with a sellout crowd of around 1,300 fans. The arena was said to have been completely full. The results were: Chris Sabin (with Alex Shelley) defeated Sonjay Dutt, Taylor Wilde pinned Jackie Moore with Traci Brooks as referee, Abyss pinned Cute Kip, TNA filmed a TNA Today segment with Jeremy Borash, TNA Tag Team champions Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed defeated Beer Money Inc., and Rhino pinned TNA Legends champion Booker T ina non title match.

Kevin Thorn, who was released by World Wrestling Entertainment on Friday, is already accepting bookings for appearances and independent wrestling events. The former ECW wrestler can be reached at seventhorn@comcast.net.

The Hartford Courant out of Connecticut has a story saying WWE fired approximately 60 employees today. Although, the number is said to be closer to 85. In reporting the company’s cutbacks, the newspaper said WWE’s professional wrestlers were safe since they were under contract. Of course, a handful of wrestlers were let go today and someone should tell that to people such as Kevin Thorn, Val Venis, Bam Neely and D-Lo Brown. That same news story aired here in Albany, NY yesterday on the 6PM newscast on NBC affiliate WNYT News Channel 13.

Upon the announcements of their respective releases, WWE quickly removed the profiles of D-Lo Brown, Bam Neely and Val Venis from the company website. They also deleted their respective profiles on the WWE Universe site, leaving the following message: “This site has been disabled due to violations of our Terms of Service.”

Recently Released:
* Mike Kruel
* Gavin Spears
* Kevin Thorn
* Val Venis
* Bam Neely
* D-Lo Brown
* Referee Jimmy Korderas
* Referee Kevin Keenan
* Referee Mike Posey
* Producer Tim White

WWE releases a total of 14 stars – full updated list w/ new names!