Ex-WWE Name Makes INSANE Claim About Roman Reigns Getting Screwed Over (WWE News)
Is TKO trying to renegotiate Roman Reigns' $15 million WWE salary? Pinch of salt on this one...
TKO Group wants to renegotiate Roman Reigns' $15-million-a-year WWE contract, says former WWE commentator Hugo Savinovich (via Jonathan Coachman).
In a claim that should probably be taken with a wheelbarrow full of salt, never mind a pinch, Savinvoich said (via Lucha Libre Online) that he received his information for LLO's President and Vice President. Hugo, whose AAA commentary contract expired last August, said that he was surprised to receive the information on Reigns.
“On the Last Word podcast, featuring Jonathan Coachman and Tommy Carlucci they revealed some shocking news," said Savinovich. "They said TKO executives are reconsidering how to handle Roman Reigns. While they won’t outright release him, he won’t be making $15 million per year anymore.”
In what might sound like Steiner Math, Savinovich began unpacking Reigns' purported earnings. “Roman Reigns’ base salary is $5 million, Hugo said. "But then there are add-ons—pay-per-views, video game deals like WWE 2K, promotional appearances, merchandise royalties (he earns 30% on merch, which is huge), and special bonuses like appearances in Saudi Arabia. Plus, he earns a cut from ticket sales. All of this adds up to $15 million a year."
"Even outside WWE, Roman is a valuable brand," Savinovich continued. "He has agents, but deals still go through WWE, which takes a percentage. However, the bulk of the money goes to Roman Reigns. Right now, there’s talk of him being cast in another Hollywood film. And because he’s under WWE contract, WWE still takes their cut. But Roman still walks away with millions.”
Savinovich worked as WWE as part of the company's Spanish announce team from 1994 to 2011. Continuing his theory, he explained TKO Group's role: “And TKO? They’re cutting costs across the board. We’ve seen recent releases, and there are rumors of more. Remember when Nick Khan—a major WWE exec—announced he was selling $4 million worth of stock? That raised eyebrows. TKO is saying: Roman’s not around full-time. Why are we paying him so much? So, they want to renegotiate.”
How much stock should you put into all this? Keep in mind that Savinovich once claimed Karrion Kross was a "hired murderer" with organised crime connections, make your own mind up.
WWE's next Premium Live Event, Money in the Bank 2025, takes place this Saturday, 7 June.