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A source described as a “key player” in WWE has given the Wrestling Observer Newsletter some interesting information as it pertains to the way contracts work within the promotion.
WWE has earned the ire of its fanbase for its many “budget cuts” that began early last year. Several top talents have been released since last April, with a number of them heading to AEW. Jeff Hardy was released from his contract just last week, though for different reasons.
Meanwhile, Kevin Owens recently signed a multi-year deal with the company, with his good friend Sami Zayn reported to have inked a new deal himself on Friday. Owens’ new deal includes a “no cut” clause that protects him from getting released before the expiration of the contract.
The aforementioned source has reportedly confirmed Owens will earn $2-3 million in salary a year.
“It's in line with what I heard,” the source was quoted as saying. “Someone in his position, who can come in and out of the main events, upper mid-card, will make that level at this time. But he won't get the 90-day clause waived. He wasn't going to get more money.”
Blinded By The Figures
The source also claimed that the huge figures attached to contracts blind people from the realization that WWE could cut them short whenever they want, releasing them with 90 days’ notice by means of a non-compete clause.
“The 2-3 million a year range is so blinding to people, they sign, not realizing it's a 90-day contract that renews every day at WWE's sole discretion,” the “key player” continued. “It's how they `got’ Windham Rotunda. He was going to get 3 mil, three-year term. They went to a five-year term. He held. They inched up towards four. He jumped at it. But it's still a 90-day contract. And with the higher number, it takes less and less to trigger the release.”
WWE has cut 80 wrestlers this year alone, with “budget cuts” said to be the reason. Some talent, B-Fab of Hit Row for example, were released only weeks removed from signing new contracts.