Alisa Burdick makes her Chairshot debut discussing the WWE layoffs and furloughs from the perspective of someone who has experienced the same.

I’ve been a fan of WWE (and WWF) for 20+ years. I’ve seen crazy, shocking, disturbing, hilarious and pointless things in my time. I’ve also witnessed heartbreaking, traumatizing, and offensive things as well. Nothing equipped me for seeing the mass layoffs from the company that brought me comfort and joy over those 20+ years. 

Why is that? Simply because I felt their pain on a personal level. A Fortune 500 company terminated my employment in 2011, due to chronic illness. I had more absent days than allowed. 

I understand wholeheartedly what losing my job means. It leaves a lot to the hands of fate. Uncertainty in times like these leave people wondering what’s next.

During that time, I found a group called Kult of Kayfabe. James Ryder added me and through turbulence, I found a place. It was there, I found a hero in Shane “Hurricane” Helms. He’s one of the recent releases. In a recent post by What Culture WWE, I saw from a few of the superstars what I showed the day I was fired. A determination to stay focused and grateful for what I had. Friends, a new purpose and insight into things I didn’t have. 

My health being one. Kult of Kayfabe remained a constant to me through many trying times. That group’s members are some wrestlers, past and present. I found a purpose in my disabilities. I give insights into addictions, neurological disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, and mental health problems.

I’m also thinking about writing a grant proposal for helping those who need guidance through Wisconsin’s Medicaid services.

Writing is my outlet. I only hope that whatever lies ahead for those released from jobs; they stay open minded, open hearted, grateful and determined. 

Life hasn’t ended. Your story just started.