Report: Multiple WWE Talents Allegedly Asked To Take 50% Pay Cuts

A new report suggests WWE’s ongoing cost-cutting efforts may now be affecting active roster contracts, with at least one heavily featured talent reportedly agreeing to a major salary reduction.

According to PWInsider, a “majorly pushed” WWE star was allegedly approached last week about taking a 50% pay cut and ultimately accepted the revised deal. The identity of the performer has not been revealed, and the report stressed that the claim has not yet been fully confirmed.

Even so, the timing has raised eyebrows backstage and among fans.

The reported contract discussion reportedly took place just one day before news emerged regarding Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods departing WWE after being asked to restructure their own contracts. While details surrounding those situations remain limited, the reports have added to growing speculation that WWE and parent company TKO are aggressively looking to reduce payroll expenses.

Earlier reports indicated that TKO had instructed WWE executives to lower main roster spending, a move many believe contributed to the wave of post–WrestleMania 42 roster cuts that resulted in 25 releases on April 24.

Bryan Alvarez previously noted that the recent NXT departures were largely based on developmental evaluations, while the main roster releases appeared to be more financially motivated.

PWInsider described the situation by stating:

“A pretty majorly pushed talent who was asked to take a 50% pay cut, and allegedly did. I’m not naming the talent because I have no way, yet, to confirm this was the case, but the timing of that claim and what happened the very next day was very, very interesting, to say the least.”

The report also cautioned readers to treat the information carefully until additional confirmation surfaces.

Meanwhile, Fightful has added that multiple WWE talents have reportedly been approached regarding pay reductions, suggesting the situation may be broader than a single isolated case.

If accurate, the reports would mark a significant shift in WWE’s handling of talent contracts under the TKO banner, particularly coming so soon after WrestleMania season — traditionally one of the company’s strongest financial periods of the year.