Several WWE Talent Already Taking Pay Cuts as Contract Restructures Hit Roster

WWE’s contract situation is shifting again—and this time, it’s not just about who leaves, but who stays and under what terms, as several talent have already accepted pay cuts.

After reports revealed that TKO Group Holdings is actively approaching talent to renegotiate deals downward, new details from Wrestling Observer Radio confirm that some wrestlers have already agreed to those terms. Speaking on the show, Bryan Alvarez explained that while Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned down new deals and chose to leave, others made the opposite decision.

“I’ve been told there were several people who were asked to take pay cuts and they took them. I don’t know how many. I don’t know who. Obviously, the New Day was asked, and they did not want to renegotiate, and so they got their release.”

That alone confirms this isn’t a one-off situation. Alvarez added that this trend is likely to continue, suggesting more talent could be faced with the same choice in the near future.

“Apparently, there were some others who did end up renegotiating, and probably as time goes on, there will be more of these. In fact, there definitely will be.”

Dave Meltzer then expanded on why certain names are being targeted for these changes, pointing to how WWE currently values talent compared to when their contracts were first signed.

“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.”

He also revealed that at least one wrestler in this position had other options — including the possibility of making strong money in All Elite Wrestling — but still chose to stay in WWE under reduced terms.

“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.”

According to Meltzer, the decision wasn’t necessarily about talent ability, but more about how they’ve been used creatively.

“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… But he accepted it… It’s still a lot of money.”

That context lines up with everything that’s been happening. Between releases, restructuring, and talent accepting lower deals to remain on the roster, WWE’s approach under TKO is becoming clearer — contracts are being reevaluated in real time, and talent are being forced to choose between stability and potentially testing the market.

So, this isn’t just a warning anymore. Pay cuts are already happening, and with more expected, the pressure is now on talent to decide whether to stay under new terms or walk away entirely.

Do you think taking a pay cut to stay in WWE is the smart move, or should more talent take the risk and explore other options? Let us know your thoughts.