It looks like WWE officials are planning on raising the pay of their talents this year. Per a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, talents are being told that the money for WWE’s new TV deal will kick in later this year. As a result, the new contracts will be way up to the ones that they previously signed. WWE recently reached a deal with FOX to begin airing SmackDown Live.
The blue brand will begin airing on FOX this October. WWE also renewed their deal with NBCUniversal, meaning Monday Night RAW will continue to air on USA Network. Also, there has been some chatter of new deals being the equivalent to that of other sports leagues. Meaning, talents are signed for a set price, and anything earned above that is a bonus or percentage of merchandise sales.
Meltzer also noted that WWE is no longer a live event or pay-per-view (PPV)-driven business. It’s now a guaranteed TV rights-driven business. There will be plenty of money to go around for WWE stars who opt to re-sign. Thanks to the two big deals from FOX and NBCUniversal, WWE will be making $2.34 billion over 5 years.
What do you think about WWE stars possibly getting a pay raise as a result of the new TV deals?