How Much Money Did Chyna Want From WWE In 2000?
Everything counts in large amounts.
Jim Ross said on the latest episode of his 'Grilling JR' podcast that Chyna tried to renegotiate her WWE deal for $1 million in 2000.
The company were keen to secure the 'Ninth Wonder Of The World' long-term, but Chyna stretched Vince McMahon's patience by asking for the highest number she could. According to JR, $1m was the maximum downside guarantee at the time, and only top stars like Steve Austin were getting it.
Chyna wasn't viewed in the same bracket.
It was a tumultuous time for her personally; Triple H and Stephanie McMahon had kickstarted their relationship, and that bumped Chyna out of the picture. Distraught, she told Ross that she still loved Hunter but wanted proper respect from the promotion for her skills.
WWE disagreed that Chyna was worth that kind of money, and that (along with the personal relationship problems she was having away from the ring) led to her departure in 2001.
JR said he couldn't justify giving Chyna the same cash as Austin, and noted that she viewed herself as a more unique attraction because she was female.
It just wasn't going to happen.