The aftermath of WWE WrestleMania 42 saw a slew of releases and departures, some which reportedly got here after talent were asked to take an enormous pay cut. Many fans online were quick guilty WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, but one former WWE author, when speaking on the “Public Enemies Podcast,” wasn’t so quick to put the blame on TKO.
Chris Dunn, who worked for WWE from August 2016 to July 2021, reminded fans that former WWE chairman Vince McMahon would also make cuts. In accordance with Dunn, nevertheless, there are two recently departed talents, those reportedly asked to take a pay cut, who would have been secure under McMahon.
“There was all the time spring cleansing,” Dunn said. “I believe the difference is Vince never would have asked anyone to take a pay cut. He would either fire the person or they might have been someone just like the Latest Day, who he considered a national treasure… and keep them eternally because they need to stay.”
After the round of releases ahead of the “WWE SmackDown” that aired the Friday after WrestleMania, it was revealed that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods can be leaving WWE, alongside Tonga Loa and JC Mateo, on May 2. Days later, backstage details emerged that the pair were amongst those asked to take pay cuts. In accordance with reports, Kingston and Woods declined to restructure the contracts they signed in 2025, and walked away from “hundreds of thousands” on the table over the course of the subsequent few years.
When you use any quotes from this text, please credit Public Enemies HQ and supply a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.