10 Wrestling Facts We Didn’t Know Last Week (July 19)

3. The Stone Cold Payoff Formula

Unlike his podcast stablemate Bruce Prichard, Jim Ross is a bit more forthcoming when co-host Conrad Thompson asks about money on 'Grilling JR'. His insight is fascinating, and that was the case when he explained the 'Stone Cold Payoff Formula' for WWF house shows back during Steve Austin's prime.

Here's an example.

Say the company drew $100,000 for a non-televised live event. The talent roster working the show would pocket 30% of that, meaning they'd divide $30,000 between them. This was sliced up according to each wrestler's position on the card, with the headliners obviously getting the biggest piece of pie available.

Typically, they'd net 3% each of that 30% on offer for a combined 6%. That wasn't the case when Austin worked house shows. When 'Stone Cold' was involved, things changed. He personally got 5% of that 30%, which is almost the same as what two other main-eventers would get together. That's how big a star Austin was.