Andrew Ravens
PWInsider‘s Mike Johnson revealed Monday that a “majorly pushed talent” in WWE was asked to take a significant pay cut and accepted. The news emerged one day before Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were moved to WWE’s alumni section following their reported mutual departure from the company after a contract restructure request.
“[We were] told of a pretty majorly pushed talent who was asked to take a 50% pay cut, and allegedly did,” Johnson wrote. “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.”
Fightful Select‘s Sean Ross Sapp added on X that multiple talents were asked to take pay cuts by WWE, though he did not specify which names were involved.
With all of that in mind, let’s speculate on which notable star accepted that rumored pay cut recently.
LA Knight
LA Knight is the most obvious, considering his decline over the past few years and not being used as often as he used to be. Knight can stick with WWE for a few more years, be used as they see fit, and will pad his bank account. WWE may also know that Knight does not to want to leave and go somewhere else.
Logan Paul
While this one could be a reach, Logan Paul does fit the bill as he has gone from being a guy in the mix in top-tier storylines to now being in a tag team with Austin Theory. Money is not an issue for him, and he would likely do WWE for free at this point out of love for the game.
Bayley
Bayley loves wrestling and WWE. If the company were to come to her to take a pay cut, we can see her being happy to do so because she absolutely loves her job and co-workers. She’s used in a regular role on TV, although no longer a main eventer. Bayley may also be thinking big picture and aiming to set up a job in the company after she hangs up her boots.
The Miz
The Miz has been around WWE for two decades and has made his money while also being secure in any role WWE has asked him to take on. He has fame and a legacy. Now he is looking to help younger talent learn. He is a good fit with the company, but probably has a contract far bigger than his usage. He also may be thinking big picture and a backstage job when he is done wrestling.
