In a shocking revelation that sheds light on the long-standing pay issues within the WWE, former wrestler Marc Mero has shared his 2019 royalty statement, sparking a heated debate about the fairness of the company’s compensation structure.
A Glimpse into the Financial Lives of WWE Superstars
The statement, which Mero obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, reveals a staggering disparity between the WWE’s revenue and the compensation received by its performers. According to the document, the WWE generated a staggering $1.1 billion in revenue in 2019, with Mero receiving a mere $8,000 in royalties.
“This is a classic case of the WWE taking advantage of its performers,” said Mero in an exclusive interview. “We’ve been fighting for years to get fair compensation, but our voices have been silenced by the company’s deep pockets. This statement is a stark reminder of the harsh reality we face every day.”
The WWE’s royalty structure has long been a point of contention among performers, with many alleging that the company’s compensation system is designed to keep stars in a state of financial insecurity. Mero’s statement has reignited the debate, with many calling for the company to take a closer look at its compensation practices.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the statement, the WWE generated $1.1 billion in revenue in 2019, with the following breakdown:
- TV Rights: $450 million
- Merchandise: $200 million
- Licensing: $100 million
- Ticket Sales: $150 million
- Sponsorships: $150 million
Meanwhile, the WWE’s performers received a total of $5 million in royalties, with Mero’s share constituting a mere 0.16% of the total revenue.
“It’s disgusting to see the WWE raking in billions while its performers are struggling to make ends meet,” said a WWE insider, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The company’s priorities are clear – they’re more concerned with lining the pockets of the shareholders than with taking care of their talent.”
Sources Close to the Matter Reveal the WWE’s Compensatory Practices
Sources close to Cody Rhodes, a former WWE wrestler who has been vocal about the company’s pay issues, revealed that the WWE’s compensation structure is designed to keep performers in a state of financial insecurity.
“The WWE’s royalty system is a complex web of loopholes and exclusions that allow the company to pay its performers pennies on the dollar,” said a source close to Rhodes. “It’s a system designed to keep performers in a state of perpetual debt, making them more vulnerable to the company’s whims.”
A Call to Action
Mero’s revelation has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with many performers and advocates calling for the WWE to take a closer look at its compensation practices.
“We urge the WWE to take immediate action to address these pay issues,” said a spokesperson for the Professional Wrestlers Alliance (PWA). “The performers are the lifeblood of the company, and it’s time for the WWE to treat them with the respect and compensation they deserve.”
As the debate continues to rage on, one thing is clear – the WWE’s pay issues are a symptom of a larger problem that requires immediate attention. Will the company take action to address these issues, or will it continue to prioritize its bottom line over the well-being of its performers? Only time will tell.
What’s Next for Marc Mero and the WWE?
Mero, who has been an outspoken advocate for performers’ rights, has vowed to continue fighting for fair compensation.
“I’ll keep speaking out until the WWE takes action to address these pay issues,” said Mero. “We deserve better, and it’s time for the company to take responsibility for its performers’ financial well-being.”
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear – the WWE’s pay issues are a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. Will the company take the necessary steps to address these issues, or will it continue to prioritize its profits over the well-being of its performers? Only time will tell.