The ongoing debate surrounding WWE NXT compensation has intensified following recent public statements from former developmental talent. While veterans like Ridge Holland and Gigi Dolin have vocalized frustrations about their earnings during their time in the black-and-gold brand, industry analyst Bryan Alvarez has stepped forward to provide clarification on the actual salary structure, suggesting that widespread reports of extreme underpayment may not tell the complete story.
The Controversy Surrounding NXT Salaries
For years, WWE’s developmental brand has faced criticism regarding talent compensation. The narrative gained renewed momentum when Ridge Holland, recently released from his NXT contract, publicly discussed the financial hardships he faced following his departure from the company.[5] Similarly, Priscilla Kelly, formerly known as Gigi Dolin, has been vocal about her concerns with NXT’s compensation structure since her own release in May 2025.[5]
These testimonials have fueled speculation that WWE’s developmental roster operates under significantly lower pay scales compared to main roster talent. However, the full picture appears more nuanced than initial reports suggested.
Alvarez’s Breakdown: Entry-Level Contracts Start at $75,000
During his analysis on Wrestling Observer platforms, Bryan Alvarez provided specific figures that contradicted some of the more sensational claims circulating within wrestling communities. “Confirmed NXT deals start at $75,000,” Alvarez stated, establishing a baseline for standard developmental contracts.[5][6]
This figure represents a substantial difference from earlier reports that suggested widespread salaries in the $30,000 range. Alvarez was emphatic in clarifying this distinction, stating that “nobody is making $30,000” on confirmed NXT contracts.[5] The analyst’s intervention appears designed to separate fact from speculation, particularly as social media conversations had amplified concerns about extreme underpayment.
Alvarez also acknowledged that compensation varies based on talent tier, noting that “big-name talent brought in from the outside obviously make more than that.”[5][6] This suggests that wrestlers with established reputations or significant accomplishments prior to joining NXT receive higher baseline compensation than developmental recruits.
The ID Contract Exception
The distinction between standard developmental contracts and WWE’s alternative “ID contracts” proves crucial to understanding the complete compensation landscape. Alvarez clarified that while standard NXT deals begin at $75,000, individuals signed to ID contracts operate under fundamentally different agreements.[5][6]
“ID talent make much less than $30,000, but they aren’t under an official TKO contractual salaried deal,” Alvarez explained.[5][6] These arrangements differ substantially from traditional WWE contracts, as ID talent exist in a quasi-developmental status. Their compensation focuses on providing direct financial support for specific purposes rather than functioning as traditional salaries.
“They’re paid a small amount to help upgrade their look, etc.,” Alvarez noted, indicating that ID contracts represent investments in talent development rather than conventional employment relationships.[5][6] This distinction helps explain why some wrestlers report extremely low compensation figures—they may exist under ID arrangements rather than standard contracted positions.
WWE’s 2025 Talent Roster Shifts
The compensation conversation occurs within the context of substantial WWE roster turnover throughout 2025. As of recent reporting, 28 WWE talent have departed the company either through releases or non-extended contracts.[4] The first major wave of cuts arrived in February, when 11 talent were released in a single round.[4]
Additional departures throughout 2025 included established performers and promising developmental talent. In May alone, multiple NXT mainstays including Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, and Cora Jade received their releases after spending years with the company.[4] These cuts have raised ongoing questions about WWE’s cost structure and compensation philosophy across its entire roster.
However, WWE simultaneously invested in new talent acquisition throughout 2025. The company brought in notable signings including Ethan Page, Shawn Spears, Giulia, and Stephanie Vaquer to bolster the NXT roster, suggesting that while the company cut specific talent, it remained committed to developmental investment.[8]
Broader Industry Context
WWE’s approach to NXT compensation must be understood within the professional wrestling industry’s evolving landscape. As of November 2025, multiple major contract expirations loom across major promotions. The Miz and Dragon Lee face contract expiry through 2025 within WWE, while AJ Styles approaches an early 2026 expiration.[1][2]
Similarly, AEW faces multiple contract expirations in the near term, with talents including Matt Hardy (November 2025), Joe Hendry (late 2025), and Killer Kelly (December 2025) all approaching the end of their current deals.[1][2] These widespread expirations suggest that compensation remains a central negotiating point across the entire wrestling industry.
Industry Insider Perspective
According to sources close to WWE’s talent relations department, the company views the $75,000 baseline for NXT as competitive within the developmental wrestling market, particularly considering the infrastructure, training facilities, and television exposure provided through WWE’s developmental brand. However, these same sources acknowledge that talent perception of compensation doesn’t always align with company metrics, creating ongoing friction between performers and management.
“The company genuinely believes they’re providing value beyond just salary,” one backstage source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But from a wrestler’s perspective, especially someone working independently, the numbers can feel limiting.”
Moving Forward: The Compensation Conversation
As WWE continues navigating its post-2022 talent restructuring, the NXT compensation conversation will likely persist. The 2025 release cycle—which has affected 28 talent across developmental and main roster levels—suggests that WWE maintains a more fluid approach to roster management than previous eras.
For aspiring wrestlers entering the NXT system, understanding the actual compensation structure proves essential. While the $75,000 baseline represents a meaningful opportunity, the reality of developmental wrestling involves financial considerations beyond base salary, including relocation, training costs, and the physical demands of performing while developing skills.
The distinction between standard contracts and ID arrangements further complicates the narrative surrounding NXT compensation. Talent recruited directly from the independent scene or international promotions may find themselves operating under different financial arrangements than traditional WWE developmental signees.
Conclusion
Bryan Alvarez’s intervention in the NXT compensation debate provides necessary clarity to a discussion that has often relied on anecdotal evidence rather than concrete figures. While Ridge Holland and Gigi Dolin’s public concerns deserve consideration, the actual compensation structure appears more structured than initial reports suggested. The $75,000 baseline, coupled with distinctions regarding ID contracts and premium talent compensation, presents a more complete picture of WWE’s developmental investment strategy.
As WWE continues its 2025 roster evolution, wrestlers considering developmental opportunities would be wise to request specific contract clarification rather than relying on speculative figures circulating throughout the industry.