The backlash against WWE and TKO over the company’s contract restructuring strategy is getting louder after Jonathan Coachman and Vince Russo completely unloaded on the situation.
While speaking on The Coach and Bro Show on May 19, 2026, Coachman criticized WWE for demanding major pay cuts while still restricting talent from making outside money through independent appearances and autograph signings. Coachman pointed out that wrestlers in companies like All Elite Wrestling and TNA Wrestling can freely book appearances, while WWE talent remain heavily controlled.
“If you’re going to a talent who’s making $500,000 and you cut them in half to $250,000… AEW, TNA, JCW—everybody at those companies can do as many autograph shows and appearances as they want. But if you’re in WWE, the only appearances you can do are the ones WWE sets up.”
Coachman then brought up WWE’s premium-priced WrestleMania autograph sessions and argued talent are still expected to work those obligations without additional compensation.
“And I promise you, Vince—at all those autograph shows for two hours at WrestleMania, they didn’t get paid extra for that.”
From there, Coachman questioned how WWE can justify reducing active contracts without offering talent something in return.
“Don’t you think it would be fair if you’re going to ask them to take less money than what they signed you for?”
Coachman made it clear his issue is not with expiring contracts being renegotiated — but with altering deals in the middle of agreements.
“That’s my biggest issue. If you’re a Johnny Gargano and your contract comes up, I’m okay with that. But if you’re in the middle of a contract, you’ve got to bring something else with you so they still want to work for you.”
Vince Russo immediately agreed and blasted the idea of WWE benefiting while talent absorb all the sacrifice.
“That’s a great point, Coach. It can’t be one-sided. There’s got to be something on the other side. You’ve got to bring something to the table. 1,000%, I agree with that.”
Coachman then referenced wrestlers like Karrion Kross, Nic Nemeth, and Bishop Dyer, arguing they’ve already proven talent can still make strong money outside WWE.
“If I’m a talent and you cut my salary by $100,000—what did Karrion Kross tell us right here on the show? He’s like, ‘I can still make as much money out there. I’ve got to hustle a little bit more, but I can still do it.’”
He also pointed out those names are currently working international independent bookings — opportunities WWE talent generally cannot accept.
“Karrion Kross, Nic Nemeth, Bishop Dyer… they’re in Australia for three or four shows right now. The answer is nobody. The answer is nobody. It’s just closed-mindedness.”
The criticism comes after reports revealed WWE has already approached multiple wrestlers about taking reduced contracts under the TKO system. According to Bryan Alvarez, WWE’s justification is tied directly to the modern schedule being far lighter than older touring eras: “They want a 50% restructuring of these deals.”
Alvarez explained WWE believes wrestlers are now working significantly less compared to previous generations that spent most of the week traveling and performing live events.
“You’re not doing four-hour shows a week, you’re not on the road four days a week paying for transportation and hotels and this and that, you’re on the road one day a week, you’re wrestling maybe twice a month.”
At this point, WWE’s TKO-era philosophy is becoming increasingly clear: contracts are now being reevaluated based on current workload, roster position, and business value rather than long-term guarantees tied to past accomplishments.
Do you think WWE is justified in restructuring deals because wrestlers work fewer dates now, or should contracts remain untouched until they naturally expire? Leave your thoughts below.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
