1. The Ultimate Warrior Issues The Ultimate Set Of Demands
Relations between Vince McMahon and one of his biggest stars of all time weren't always so good as the image above may lead you to believe. Back in 1991, The Ultimate Warrior wrote a very long letter to Vince airing his grievances with a list of hefty demands. Those demands read: "1. I want $550,000 release from the monies allotted me to purchase my home. This will suffice as my Wrestlemania VII payoff, but let it be noted it is not fair. I meant as much or more to that show as Hulk - I deserve to be paid the same (I know what Hulk will get) 2. 4 Days off every other time off period - Exceptions pay-per-view only. 3. I want the same pay cut as Hulk gets on all pay-per-views, SNME, FRIDAY PRIMETIME, house shows and proof as such. The same pay cut applies to what Hulk has been paid with relationship to past events WrestleMania V, VI, VII i.e when Hulk was top draw. 4. I want numbers and proof of monies drawn on 1-900-Hulk and like wise some pay cut. 5. Same pay cut on all forms of merchandising." Vince replied: "Dear Jim: This letter is in response to your facsimile to me of July 10, 1991. 1. You will be paid an aggregate amount of $550,000 (five-hundred-fifty-thousand) for your participation in WrestleMania VII. 2. With the exception of special events only, you will receive four days off every other time off period. 3. Your pay rate on house shows will increase to 4-5% of the net, effective immediately, with the understanding that no other WWF athlete will be paid at a higher rate. Likewise, no other WWF athlete will be paid at a higher pay rate than you on pay-per-view events. 4. Effective immediately, your royalty rate on all forms of merchandise is to be increased. The specific amount will be determined in writing within one week. 5. Your compensation for the Warrior 900 hotline will be identical to that of the Hulk 900 hotline. Likewise, documentation for this will follow in writing within one week. I regret the turmoil you've put yourself though and your agonising over what you feel is fair compensation. And even though we have a difference of opinion over some of these matters, I am resolved to work with you in the same honest and equitable way that I always have. Furthermore, I would like to express to you my deepest appreciation and admiration for you as a performer, as a member of the WWF family, as a man and as my friend. Vince." This exchange was just the tip of the iceberg between the pair. The events in the upcoming years culminated in the release of 'The Self-Destruction Of The Ultimate Warrior' DVD. It was great to see Warrior made peace with the company, and numerous former employees before his untimely death just after WrestleMania XXX last year.
