WWE: Some of wrestling's biggest stars have been released

Rusev (left), Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder (centre) and Heath Slater have all been released from their contracts

The world of wrestling will be seeing some big changes very soon.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced the release of some of its biggest stars, and it's all down to the coronavirus.

The pandemic has had a big impact on the sports company's finances and it's been trying to find ways to cut costs.

More than 20 stars have been let go and some of the most high-profile names include Bulgarian-born Rusev, English wrestler Drake Maverick, tag team Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, Heath Slater, No Way Jose, Sarah Logan and real-life husband and wife Mike and Maria Kanellis.

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle has been released from his role as a WWE producer

Former world champion Kurt Angle has also been released from his contract. Angle, who retired from wrestling in April last year, had been working backstage as a WWE producer.

Lots of the stars have spoken out on their releases on social media. Drake Maverick shared an emotional video with his followers on Twitter shortly after finding out the news. He said: "I'm like everybody else where I probably didn't take this as seriously as it is at the beginning, but it's affecting people's lives, it's affecting people's jobs, it's affecting the way people make a living.

"There's a lot of people who I'm not going to be able say goodbye to who I really loved, that I really cared about."

He also shared that WWE has allowed him to still compete in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Title tournament, but he believes those matches are likely to be the last he ever has.

Zack Ryder also shared his thoughts on social media

American star Zack Ryder, whose real name is Matthew Cardona, also shared some thoughts about his release on his Instagram. He posted a picture with the caption: "The only thing I wanted to do in life was wrestle. I'm grateful I spent 14 years living my dream in WWE. Thanks to my fans & everyone who believed in me. As I was getting released, I was looking at this photo & smiling. I'm #AlwayzReady & beyond excited for the future. #NotThere".

Other WWE staff working behind the scenes have been released, with the WWE company saying they hope it will only be a temporary change.