Ex-WWE Star Makes Major Allegations Against TKO

As the road to WWE Evolution heats up, a former WWE personality is stirring headlines for reasons far beyond the ring.

Jonathan Coachman, once a prominent voice on WWE programming, has made serious claims about WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, accusing them of intentionally limiting talent development to avoid paying superstars more.

The situation arose following a July 7 segment on Monday Night RAW involving Becky Lynch, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria. As the trio traded promos ahead of their upcoming triple-threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at WWE Evolution, many fans and insiders noticed Valkyria struggled to hold her own on the mic.

Jonathan Coachman Claims TKO Is Preventing WWE Talent Growth

Coachman addressed Valkyria’s poor delivery during his latest episode of The Last Word podcast and later on X (Twitter), too. But while he began by critiquing her promo skills, the conversation quickly shifted to something much deeper.

When a fan suggested Coachman should step in and help younger talent improve their promo work, his response raised eyebrows across the wrestling world. According to Coachman, the company would rather avoid investing in talent growth if it means future financial implications.

“I spent over 10 years working with talent backstage and character development. I rarely say no when asked to help,” Coachman said.

“But I am quite sure that TKO doesn’t want me helping their talent with promos. Because that would make them more valuable, and ultimately, they’d have to pay them more money. And we know that’s something they don’t want to do,” he said on X.

I spent over 10 years working with talent back stage and character development. I rarely say no when asked to help. But I am quite sure that TKO doesn’t want me helping their talent with promos. Because that would make them more valuable and ultimately they’d have to pay them… https://t.co/OJw49eQ3NK

— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) July 9, 2025

Coachman’s claim has added fuel to ongoing conversations about how TKO handles talent contracts, compensation, and creative investments. His assertion suggests that even those willing and qualified to help are being sidelined, not for performance reasons, but because of a corporate strategy to keep payrolls tight.