Ex WWE Superstar Reveals Downside Guarantee Amount Over Their Career

WWE Superstars can earn significant income, but the costs of staying on the road add up quickly. Without a union, Superstars are responsible for their own travel expenses, a reality Stevie Richards recently detailed in a video.

Stevie Richards, who was with WWE from 1999 to 2008, is best known for leading the faction Right To Censor. He has worked for ECW, WCW, and WWE during the 90s, providing him with a broad perspective on the industry.

On his YouTube channel, Richards explained WWE’s payout structure. He mentioned earning around $572 per week after taxes and travel costs were deducted, though expenses varied depending on factors like hotel and car-sharing with travel partners. His gross pay was $1,442 per week, which he broke down in detail.

“Wrestlers choose to get paid $75,000 a year downside. I chose to have that for the opportunity of hopefully making more or hopefully renegotiating a contract. Whenever I did renegotiate, it always went back down to $75,000. My standard three years was 75(K), 75(K), 125(K). Every time we got towards the end of the second year, I was off TV or something happened, and they needed to put me on another 75, 75, 125. Until my last one, which was three years at 75 and a few months later I was gone.”

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While WWE offers generous contracts, Superstars are still classified as independent contractors. This classification means that a significant portion of their earnings goes towards travel and other expenses, leaving less money at the end of the pay cycle, particularly for mid-tier talent like Richards who didn’t generate substantial merchandise sales.

It remains to be seen if other wrestlers will share their financial experiences in WWE. Richards’ account highlights the financial discipline required to manage life as a WWE Superstar. For more details, check out his full video below.

What are your thoughts on WWE’s pay system for Superstars? Should WWE cover travel expenses? Share your opinions in the comments section!