7 Uncomfortable Truths About WWE In 2026

2. Wrestler Pay Is Costing Them Stars

Around the time of WrestleMania, reports began to emerge that stars were being asked to take pay cuts by TKO. The parent company of WWE was trying to restructure the deals of various performers amongst all of these new streams of revenue. Rumours circulated that even a big name on the roster had agreed to these terms, but far more performers have baulked at the idea.

News has now emerged that WWE lifer Sheamus is no longer with the company as he wouldn't accept a restructuring of his deal. R-Truth was fired and rehired under similar circumstances. It's pure speculation, but CM Punk is a man for whom workers' rights have been a public passion, and suddenly there are rumblings that his so-far harmonious run under TKO has hit the rocks.

Members of the WWE roster are why fans watch the show. WWE has historically only boomed when it has had top stars that fans are invested in, and this is one of the most talent-rich rosters in the history of the company. The idea that record profits, increased ticket prices, and more advertising interrupting our shows and PLEs than ever before should result in performers taking any pay cut is insulting to both them and the audience.