As we’ve been reporting here on eWn, TKO Group Holdings has ordered WWE to make “hundreds of thousands” in cuts in the course of the coming weeks.
Following reports that several WWE talents have already agreed to restructured deals with lower salaries, recent details from Bryan Alvarez make clear just how significant the changes are. He said,
“Their justification is, things are very different now than whenever you signed this deal. Yes, they’re asking talent to take less money, but their argument is that you just’re doing significantly less now.”
“You’re not doing four-hour shows every week, you’re not on the road 4 days per week covering travel and hotels. Now it’s closer to in the future on the road per week, and possibly wrestling a few times a month.”
“Of their view, it comes all the way down to this — you’re doing less, so that they wish to pay you less. That’s the mindset they’re operating with.”
On April 24, a wave of exits and releases hit WWE. As we previously reported here on eWn, the corporate also approached several remaining talents that very same day, asking them to simply accept pay cuts with the intention to stay.
Those contacted were reportedly given just two days to determine whether to conform to the reduced terms. It was principally a “take it or leave it” approach. Take it and we’ll keep you around. Reject it and also you’re gone.
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