How WWE’s Royalty System Really Works for Former Talent

Eric Bischoff has officially broken down how WWE’s complex royalty system works—and why some checks barely crack double digits.

During the January 23, 2026 episode of 83 Weeks, Bischoff responded to the online uproar after Marc Mero revealed he received just $71.47 in royalties from WWE, despite his “Wildman” character generating over $39,000 in revenue during Q4 2019.

“There’s a formula,” Bischoff explained. “I get those same royalty statements to this day and I don’t even look at them. I might glance at which category I’m making the most money in—more out of curiosity than anything.”

Bischoff revealed that royalty payments are based on very specific metrics, including how long a wrestler appears in a video or product—and that brief cameos don’t result in big money. The former WCW president made it clear these royalty payments are more of a bonus than a paycheck, saying they come quarterly and are rarely expected.

“I could show up for 10 seconds of a 90-minute video on The Rock,” he said. “Maybe there’s a clip of something I did, and I’m there with Hogan. Okay, I’m going to get 20, 30, maybe even 50 cents out of that. Every time I get a quarterly royalty check, I forget that it’s coming,” Bischoff noted. “To me, it’s all just gravy.”

He also addressed the importance of contract negotiations, suggesting that talent who expected bigger payouts later should’ve secured better deals when they signed.

“If you believed in yourself and you wanted more merchandise money 20 years later, you should have negotiated for it on the front end,” Bischoff said. “Marc was smart. He wanted the cash. He made the right decision.”

According to Bischoff, WWE’s royalty statements even include breakdowns showing which DVDs or streaming specials talent appear in—but payment is strictly tied to usage time and the value assigned to that type of content.

“You could be featured in something, but if you’re in a group shot or a flashback, you’re only earning based on the seconds you’re shown. That’s just how the formula works,” he added.

While Mero’s check sparked outrage, Bischoff’s explanation offers a reality check on the financial structure behind WWE’s massive library of legacy content.

What’s your take—should WWE change how royalties are paid, or does Eric Bischoff make a fair point? Sound off below and join the conversation.

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