The Official WWE / NXT Discussion Thread *May Contain Spoilers*

[BurningHamster]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Self" data-cite="Self" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> I'm not a typical wrestling fan. I know that. </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You seem like WWE's dream fan though, whenever they do something so stupid or pointless I think that there can't actually be anyone who likes that stuff I come online, and there you are Self <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Ah well, it takes all sorts.</p>

[ampulator]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Stennick" data-cite="Stennick" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He's World Heavyweight Champion and you don't think he's making 13 percent of what they offered Jeff? Again for all I know the guy is working for free but I just look at what they offered Jeff and I would have to believe that Swagger is making ATLEAST 13 percent of what they would be willing to pay Hardy. He's co main eventing pay per views, he's headlining house shows. Who knows but I'd be shocked if he didn't make a 100,000 a year. <p> </p><p> On a sidenote if they were willing to throw that money at Hardy then what does Cena, Trips, Orton, Taker make?</p></div></blockquote><p> Yes, I do doubt it, mainly 6 figures is a lot for a guy that's only a short-time champion. He hasn't been in company that long or champion that long compared to others.</p>

[Tha Black Phenom]

<p>Upper-midcarders make well into the six figures. Easily. Those who get five figures are <em>divas</em>, last I recall. It went like, main-eventers into the millions, rare cases between the ME/upper-mid mould get in the high 6 figures, then it's the midcarders who float around 100 to 300. Veteran midcarders will relatively have a bit higher, depending of course on who(Benoit was around 400K at one point, Christian pre-2005 too).</p><p> </p><p>

Unless there's been a general paycut in everyone's salary in the last few years, and a hell of a paycut I'd have to add, six figures definitely isn't out of the realm for Swagger. He must be in the middle, at the least.</p>

[lazorbeak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="ampulator" data-cite="ampulator" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yes, I do doubt it, mainly 6 figures is a lot for a guy that's only a short-time champion. He hasn't been in company that long or champion that long compared to others.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> A 2004-05 report on wrestler salaries showed Psychosis, Paul London, Rene Dupree, Nunzio, and Gene Snitsky made 6 figure salaries that year.</p><p> </p><p> So........ yeah.</p><p> </p><p> Active workers making less then that? Stevie Richards! Also Kid Kash and Trevor Murdoch.</p>

[Linsolv]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="lazorbeak" data-cite="lazorbeak" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Active workers making less then that? Stevie Richards! Also Kid Kash and Trevor Murdoch.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think you mean <strong>DR.</strong> Stevie Richards. He's a doctor. Dixie Carter told me.</p>

[LoganRodzen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Linsolv" data-cite="Linsolv" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think you mean <strong>DR.</strong> Stevie Richards. He's a doctor. Dixie Carter told me.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think Richards could go up for Most Gimmicks Used In A Career award. He's been thrown into a lot different stuff throughout the years.</p>

[fatallylost]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Linsolv" data-cite="Linsolv" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think you mean <strong>DR.</strong> Stevie Richards. He's a doctor. Dixie Carter told me.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's true. I have a session booked in late November.</p><p> </p><p> He's very busy you know.</p>

[Slagaholic]

I think Richards could go up for Most Gimmicks Used In A Career award. He's been thrown into a lot different stuff throughout the years.

 

Well when your gimmick is to have a different gimmick every night, the number of gimmicks used shoots up!

 

None of his gimmicks were as entertaining as Baron Von Stevie however.

[ampulator]

That was FOUR years ago, though. Last time I heard, Jericho was went from $200,000 to $75,000 (note: this is a comparison when he left and when he returned). How do you think WWE keeps up it's "profits"? I'm certain they didn't cut the top stars' (who WWE thinks are the top) pay. But I can't be too sure for anyone lower than that.

 

Also, Stacy Keibler claimed that she made barely enough to feed herself, which is, she claimed, why she left; but as caveat, like someone else said earlier, she was a diva non-wrestler.

 

A 2004-05 report on wrestler salaries showed Psychosis, Paul London, Rene Dupree, Nunzio, and Gene Snitsky made 6 figure salaries that year.

 

So........ yeah.

 

Active workers making less then that? Stevie Richards! Also Kid Kash and Trevor Murdoch.

 

What was Psychosis doing in the WWE? I don't recall him doing much. He was talented (if not-so-charismatic) luchador, but that's 6 figures minimum doing nothing.

 

Why the hell did Paul London leave then? For opener that was used enough, he certainly didn't come out as I expected.

 

As for Nunzio... wow. I doubt he's going to getting that much now, but wow, if that's true. I hope he saved his money.

 

What I mean is, it's doubtful TODAY that will get that much, and definitely doubtful if it's the MINIMUM downpay they are getting.

 

If it's true, no wonder WWE is releasing so many people.

[lazorbeak]

That was FOUR years ago, though. Last time I heard, Jericho was went from $200,000 to $75,000 (note: this is a comparison when he left and when he returned). How do you think WWE keeps up it's "profits"? I'm certain they didn't cut the top stars' (who WWE thinks are the top) pay. But I can't be too sure for anyone lower than that.

 

When was the last time you checked?! How long ago was it that Gail Kim was talking about making 4-5 times her TNA offer being the deciding factor when she knew she'd likely be booked horribly and not enjoy her work? One year, in the middle of a huge economic downturn? And while I don't have exact numbers, 400K was a number thrown around a lot online.

 

As for how it keeps its "profits," it considers all of its wrestlers to be independent contractors. Independent contractors who agree to work exclusively for one company, attend all of its events as set out in a rigid schedule, and are specifically instructed how to behave on TV. And the WWE is largely dependent on these "independent contractors" doing the work set out for them as a fundamental aspect of their business. But since wrestlers are listed as independent contractors, WWE saves money both on their taxes and in the fact that they don't provide travel costs, health insurance, or any other benefits traditionally linked with "employees."

 

Also, Stacy Keibler claimed that she made barely enough to feed herself, which is, she claimed, why she left; but as caveat, like someone else said earlier, she was a diva non-wrestler.

 

Stacy was probably making over 100 grand a year at the end of her run, which sounds great until you consider the fact that WWE wasn't paying for her travel costs when she was on the road 300 days a year, and wasn't obligated to pay her the full amount if she took time off.

 

What was Psychosis doing in the WWE? I don't recall him doing much. He was talented (if not-so-charismatic) luchador, but that's 6 figures minimum doing nothing.

 

He was in the Mexi-cools. And yes, this is why indy guys sign with WWE. Because even if they get horribly mis-used, they can buy a house. Why do you think Goldust, Shannon Moore and Chuck Palumbo keep coming back for more? I doubt they have any delusions of world championships. But WWE is the promotion that pays you.

 

Why the hell did Paul London leave then? For opener that was used enough, he certainly didn't come out as I expected.

 

Paul London left because he was released from his contract? Not sure what choice he had.

 

As for Nunzio... wow. I doubt he's going to getting that much now, but wow, if that's true. I hope he saved his money.

 

What I mean is, it's doubtful TODAY that will get that much, and definitely doubtful if it's the MINIMUM downpay they are getting.

 

If it's true, no wonder WWE is releasing so many people.

 

Seriously 100K is not all that much. In TEW, anyone who makes 9K or more a month is making at least 100K (9X12=108). When you consider that the starting salary in a legit sport like the NFL is almost 5 times that and provides protections from being fired during injury along with basic employment benefits, it's not hard to see why so many legit athletes get into wrestling as a second choice.

[fatallylost]

It's amazing how it's pretty well known most wrestlers don't make too much money, but, going from indy to WWE bumps your pay rate 5000%? I'm not su sure of that one.

 

I can see the Cena's, Taker, HHH, etc making bank. But, the Shelton Banjamin's of the world are not making 6 figures. There may be a few, which I'm sure there are, based more on everything else they do for the company. Promotions, backstage, etc. But, $100,000 is a TON of money. My general manager barely makes too much more than that, and she's a manager of a store for the countries biggest electronics retail chain.

 

So, yeah.

[lazorbeak]

It's amazing how it's pretty well known most wrestlers don't make too much money, but, going from indy to WWE bumps your pay rate 5000%? I'm not su sure of that one.

 

I can see the Cena's, Taker, HHH, etc making bank. But, the Shelton Banjamin's of the world are not making 6 figures. There may be a few, which I'm sure there are, based more on everything else they do for the company. Promotions, backstage, etc. But, $100,000 is a TON of money. My general manager barely makes too much more than that, and she's a manager of a store for the countries biggest electronics retail chain.

 

So, yeah.

 

Yes. They are. And it's nothing new. I mean seriously, Mick Foley as Cactus Jack was making about 100K in what, 1991?

[Tha Black Phenom]

It's funny you mention him, but Shelton had a relatively bigger salary than most midcarders(would hazard a guess at 300K), could be a leading reason why they released him. His contract came up and to renew it would basically mean he'd have a paycut and clearly that would lead to the same result.

[Self]

You seem like WWE's dream fan though, whenever they do something so stupid or pointless I think that there can't actually be anyone who likes that stuff I come online, and there you are Self Ah well, it takes all sorts.

 

I like some of the 'stupid or pointless' stuff that WWE do. I like Vickie. I like Miz. I'm sure there's some third thing that internet fans universally hated that I thought was harmless and/or amusing. I'm far from WWE's ideal fan though. There's a lot I don't like about the product... It's just different from what you dislike about it. Mostly. There's probably some overlap somewhere.

[MrOnu]

I like some of the 'stupid or pointless' stuff that WWE do. I like Vickie. I like Miz. I'm sure there's some third thing that internet fans universally hated that I thought was harmless and/or amusing. I'm far from WWE's ideal fan though. There's a lot I don't like about the product... It's just different from what you dislike about it. Mostly. There's probably some overlap somewhere.

 

 

Don't worry Self, I still watch RAW mostly for Miz and Santino (well for Jericho now that he's back of course).

 

I always say that even though there's a lot of crap I don't like, there's enough of little things to still keep me interested. Two quick examples : I don't like the superman presentation of Cena, but his promos are generally entertaining; I can't buy HHH as a face, but at least his heel opponents do a decent job enough of making me care about their story. Granted, I watch most of the regular TV matches on fast forward which says a lot about the kind of fan I am.

[The Final Countdown]

I like Miz. I'm sure there's some third thing that internet fans universally hated that I thought was harmless and/or amusing.

I think lots of internet fans like Miz these days.

[ampulator]

I think lots of internet fans like Miz these days.

Because the Miz ia awesome. Enough said.

 

Seriously, Miz has solid enough skills now that the IWC likes him. His fundamentals are better than John Morrison's, if you ask me (who still isn't bad, but he doesn't really the WWE style "down pat" like the Miz does), while still bringing some extra to the table to not look like every other WWE wrestler.

[Prophet]

I think lots of internet fans like Miz these days.

 

Think he took great steps once he broke away from Reality TV Miz, and built his new persona. And even now, his egotistical, better than everyone character has a new spin to it. Think he's grown by leaps and bounds, personally.

 

Also, to anyone worried about Daniel Bryan, he was on SNL last night, playing with the Heartbreakers, so I think he'll be okay. (Not really, but I was stunned how similar he looks to current look Tom Petty when Petty's wearing sunglasses. lol)

[-laz-]

i hate the miz reality tv show reject

[masterded]

i hate the miz reality tv show reject

 

How is he a reality TV show reject? If he wasn’t a wrestler he would most likely still be doing the reality show thing.

[PeterHilton]

i hate the miz reality tv show reject

 

How is he a reality TV show reject? If he wasn’t a wrestler he would most likely still be doing the reality show thing.

 

Actually...he's arguably the most successful reality show contestant ever.

 

Love the Miz. And personally, he's always seemed like a good guy..just kind of a harmless frat ball meathead.

 

And when (if) you watched those RW/RR challenge things, all he EVER talked about was how much he loved wrestling and how becoming a wrestling star was his biggest dream since he was a kid.

 

I mean...yeah that reality thing helped him get noticed and all..but this isn't some male model or failed actor or washed up football player using wrestling as his fall back plan.

 

This is a young guy who worked his ass off once he got a shot to do the one thing he always wanted to do: and it's wrestling. Good for him.

[crownsy]

i hate the miz reality tv show reject

 

Don't agree, kid gives a great promo and his ring work, while not spectacular by any means, is solid and consistent.

 

Miz has won me over, I think of him as a wrestler first, Reality star second at this point.

[The Shape]

Miz did a cribs sorta thing on wwe.com the other week and virtually everything in his house is stuff he won on the real world challenges, lol.

[Remianen]

That was FOUR years ago, though. Last time I heard, Jericho was went from $200,000 to $75,000 (note: this is a comparison when he left and when he returned). How do you think WWE keeps up it's "profits"? I'm certain they didn't cut the top stars' (who WWE thinks are the top) pay. But I can't be too sure for anyone lower than that.

 

Also, Stacy Keibler claimed that she made barely enough to feed herself, which is, she claimed, why she left; but as caveat, like someone else said earlier, she was a diva non-wrestler.

 

 

 

What was Psychosis doing in the WWE? I don't recall him doing much. He was talented (if not-so-charismatic) luchador, but that's 6 figures minimum doing nothing.

 

Why the hell did Paul London leave then? For opener that was used enough, he certainly didn't come out as I expected.

 

As for Nunzio... wow. I doubt he's going to getting that much now, but wow, if that's true. I hope he saved his money.

 

What I mean is, it's doubtful TODAY that will get that much, and definitely doubtful if it's the MINIMUM downpay they are getting.

 

If it's true, no wonder WWE is releasing so many people.

 

ampulator, stop. Just....stop. You seem to be under the (grossly mistaken) belief that 100k is a lot of money for someone in the entertainment business. It most certainly is not. Go back and read what the reaction to CM Punk signing with WWE was. When asked why he would sign with WWE when they horribly misused Shannon Moore, Punk reportedly said, "Then I'll buy a brand new Hummer and a nice house just like Shannon Moore did." How many 'nice houses' and Hummers does 100k get you? You don't do that if you're making scratch (and 100k for a midcarder like Shannon was in ECW, is scratch. There are rappers who don't even have albums out who make more than that).

 

You also have to remember that WWE contracts aren't like the salary you agreed to when you took your job. Your job doesn't give you PPV bonuses or a piece of your merchandise sales or the like. If Jericho took a pay cut, he did it with a contingency in place to more than make up for it. I seriously doubt a headliner like Jericho is making less than a go-nowhere midcarder like MVP.

 

It's amazing how it's pretty well known most wrestlers don't make too much money, but, going from indy to WWE bumps your pay rate 5000%? I'm not su sure of that one.

 

I can see the Cena's, Taker, HHH, etc making bank. But, the Shelton Banjamin's of the world are not making 6 figures. There may be a few, which I'm sure there are, based more on everything else they do for the company. Promotions, backstage, etc. But, $100,000 is a TON of money. My general manager barely makes too much more than that, and she's a manager of a store for the countries biggest electronics retail chain.

 

I can't agree here. I guess it comes down to perspective. I made more than 100k well before my 30th birthday, all told (salary + commission + bonuses). I guess it depends on where you live also. 100k is not a lot in New York City but I imagine it would be a fortune in like Arkansas.

 

I would be shocked if every in-ring talent (not including the NXT rookies besides Danielson) were making less than 50. Given their schedule, less than that could probably qualify as slave labor.

[PeterHilton]

I can't agree here. I guess it comes down to perspective. I made more than 100k well before my 30th birthday, all told (salary + commission + bonuses). I guess it depends on where you live also. 100k is not a lot in New York City but I imagine it would be a fortune in like Arkansas.

 

I would be shocked if every in-ring talent (not including the NXT rookies besides Danielson) were making less than 50. Given their schedule, less than that could probably qualify as slave labor.

 

 

I'm a mid level sales rep at my company. After commission and quarterly bonuses, there's not a single sales rep in this segment making less than 100 K.

 

It's totally a matter of perspective. And your industry.

 

If someone is a recognizable and/or known figure in the entertainment industry and they aren't making 6 figures (before taxes) they should go ahead and shoot themselves.