WWE “Out Of Their Mind” To Think Stars Will Take Less Money

One WWE star thinks management must be dreaming if they believe stars will take less money after reports that their company is unhappy with AEW handing out bumper deals.

It was recently announced that Swerve Strickland had signed a new deal with AEW. His previous contract had plenty of time to run, but negotiations were moved up after an impressive run with the AEW World Championship. The deal was said to be one of the biggest in AEW history.

Strickland is coming off the back of losing the World Title to Bryan Danielson at All In, but he remains a fixture in the main event picture. At All Out, Strickland will square off with long-time rival Hangman Adam Page in a Cage Match.

Dave Meltzer reported in his Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there were those in WWE unhappy with the deal signed by Strickland and the one believed to have been signed by Daniel Garcia:

The deal, and the offer to Daniel Garcia, were told to us by someone on the WWE side for Garcia and more than one on Strickland, as being bad for the sport because they are so far over what would WWE would perceive the market value for both to be, with the idea he’s spending more than he needs to and raising salaries.

WWE Star Notes Record Numbers Being Bragged About

A report from Fightful Select quoted an unnamed WWE star who had a predictable response to the idea of talent making more money when asked if they’d heard about the bad for business take:

I myself haven’t heard that, but whether or not it was said, anyone thinking wrestlers will take less money is out of their minds when new TV deals are being announced, sellouts and record numbers are being bragged about.

WWE’s TV deal with Netflix was signed for $5 billion with the company also boasting record revenues and attendances throughout 2024.