In an update on WWE employees who were furloughed by the company on Wednesday as part of cutbacks related to COVID-19, the largest amount of talent releases and furloughs in company history, a report from Raj Giri of Wrestling INC notes that employees who were furloughed received an information packet which stated that they were furloughed because of the current level of work available as a result of COVID-19, with the pandemic referred to as an unforeseen circumstance, similar to a natural disaster and that while Wednesday was the last official work day, they will remain on the payroll until this Saturday when the furlough officially begins.

The report adds that the furlough end date is July 1st, 2020, however it was specified that it was subject to extension, given the current situation and ongoing uncertainties and that while there is not a definitive end date, the expectation is that it will last fewer than six months, with WWE reserving the right to extend or terminate the furlough period at their discretion.

The report also notes that the WWE plan to keep employees informed of decisions made during that time and that while they hope that the furloughs will be sufficient, layoffs might be necessary. The company however, will be covering health insurance contributions during the furlough period for employees who are enrolled in the WWE’s health plan, with them retaining their seniority with the company, while furloughed employees will not be receiving a paycheck, making them potentially eligible for unemployment benefits, as well as the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides an additional unemployment insurance of $600 per week.