More Details on TKO Restructuring WWE Talent Payouts & Superstars Accepting Major Pay Cuts, Note on Roman Reigns

As previously reported, TKO is seeking to restructure WWE talent deals, with the parent company said to be requesting multiple WWE talents to take pay cuts. It’s also been reported that The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) were asked to restructure the deals they signed last year, which they refused to do, asking instead for their releases, which they were granted.

It’s also rumored that a Superstar in the middle of a major push in WWE was asked to take a 50% pay cut, which the wrestler accepted. Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez had more details on the matter during today’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Alvarez stated that multiple WWE talents accepted pay cuts that were requested by management. Alvarez stated, “I’ve been told that there were several people asked to take pay cuts, and they took them.” Alvarez indicated that he didn’t know how many Superstars were asked to take pay cuts or who accepted them.

Meltzer also cited that he knew about one male wrestler who accepted a pay cut, who likely could’ve left and still made a great deal of money in AEW instead. However, the unnamed wrestler opted to stay in WWE.

Meltzer stated, “I know one guy in this situation, he could go to AEW and he could make a lot of money in AEW, but he did take a pretty big pay cut to stay, and it’s someone whose career was pretty much, you know, I mean — The reason you would be asked to renegotiate is because the contract you signed was when they perceived you as being far more valuable than they perceive you as being now. That’s why they would renegotiate a contract.”

He continued, “In the case of the person, it’s someone who would fit into that category, and the reason was not that he’s not good or not that he’s not great, but that they creatively didn’t take advantage of what they had, I would say is the best way of putting it. But he accepted it, he didn’t take the risk or whatever it is of going elsewhere. And you know, it’s still a lot of money, you could say that.”

Meltzer explained that wrestlers contracted to WWE are still making more money than they ever expected they would. He added, “It’s more money than these people — you know, one of the things that got on them is that these guys are all making — all — are making way more money than they thought they would ever make as a pro wrestler, and that’s their dream job. They wanted it since they were kids in some cases.”

Roman Reigns Reportedly Wasn’t Asked To Renegotiate His WWE Contract by TKO

Meltzer also expressed that Roman Reigns and other people at a similar level were not asked to renegotiate their WWE deals by TKO. He went on regarding TKO’s contract renegotiations, “As best I can tell, the people who they perceive as the key guys, and again, because of all like the rumors regarding Roman Reigns and everything, it’s like, Roman Reigns was not asked to renegotiate. None of the guys at that level, they’re not being asked.”

Meltzer further explained who is being offered pay cuts, “It’s the guys at — the guys I would say, again, without mentioning any names, they would be guys who were at a higher level before than they are now.”

Meltzer also wondered if some WWE talents might be afraid to go to AEW right now “because of bull**** rumors or who knows what,” stating that “a lot of people are suspicious that’s all tied in.” Additionally, Meltzer speculated these payout restructurings will likely breed resentment in the locker room for the wrestlers who accepted cuts versus the talents who weren’t asked to renegotiate their deals.

As previously reported, TKO CEO Ari Emanuel reportedly earned $67.3 million in 2025. Meanwhile, TKO President Mark Shapiro earned $42.6 million. Also, WWE President Nick Khan made $24.3 million in 2025.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.