More details are continuing to surface regarding WWE’s recent wave of roster cuts and reported contract restructuring, with new information painting a picture of growing frustration among talent and agents alike.
According to Fightful, WWE was recently instructed to cut “millions” of dollars from its payroll and overall expenses as part of broader cost-reduction efforts under TKO Group Holdings. The situation reportedly led to a combination of releases, renegotiated contracts, and requests for wrestlers to accept major salary reductions.
The reports have generated considerable backlash throughout the wrestling industry, especially given TKO’s strong financial performance and executive compensation packages. While roster cuts are not uncommon in WWE, many within wrestling reportedly took issue with claims that some talent were asked to accept dramatic pay reductions — in certain cases allegedly totaling seven figures per year.
One of the larger concerns emerging from the situation is how it could affect future WWE contract negotiations. Sources within both the talent and agent communities reportedly believe many wrestlers may now hesitate before signing lengthy deals, particularly if there are doubts about whether the original financial terms will ultimately be honored.
Fightful also noted that in recent years WWE had approached some wrestlers about signing new contracts during overseas tours, sometimes earlier than expected. While some individuals viewed that strategy as an attempt to finalize deals before agents had an opportunity to fully evaluate the terms, the report stressed that such claims remain speculative.
On the day of the most recent roster cuts, multiple talents were reportedly informed they had just 48 hours to either accept reduced contracts or part ways with the company.
Among the most notable names connected to the situation were Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day. According to the report, both men opted to leave WWE rather than agree to the proposed cuts, despite reportedly sacrificing millions of dollars that would have been earned over the remaining years of their deals.
The situation has drawn comparisons to comments previously made by Killer Kross, who stated in the past that he was given only one day to make a decision regarding a WWE contract offer.
There was also discussion internally about a rumored digital-focused contract for Xavier Woods, though no confirmation has surfaced regarding the reported arrangement or whether it would have restricted his ability to work with other promotions such as AEW.
Meanwhile, Fightful reported that several people within AEW are already pushing for The New Day to eventually join the company.
Another source of frustration reportedly stems from the fact that several WWE talents — including Santos Escobar and members of The New Day — had signed new contracts within the last year, in some cases without testing free agency or exploring outside offers. With WWE now revisiting or restructuring those agreements, some agents reportedly believe the company may have unintentionally weakened its own negotiating leverage in the future.
There is also concern that the strategy could benefit AEW, as frustrated wrestlers may become more willing to leave WWE while accepting lower competing offers elsewhere.
At this point, there is no confirmed list of talents who agreed to revised contracts, though reports indicate the requested pay reductions varied significantly depending on the performer.
Finally, the handling of The New Day’s departure reportedly became another internal talking point. Some individuals were said to be disappointed that WWE did not publicly acknowledge the group’s accomplishments following their exit. However, one company source claimed praise had been communicated privately and that a joint statement recognizing their contributions had originally been planned before ultimately falling through.
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