TKO Execs Cash In Millions While WWE Talent Take Pay Cuts

TLDR

TKO Group Holdings executives received massive compensation packages in 2025, with CEO Ari Emanuel earning $67 million (up 272% from 2024) and WWE President Nick Khan's pay jumping 304% to $24 million according to SEC filings. Meanwhile, according to Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer, WWE wrestlers are being asked to take pay cuts to renew their contracts, with some talent accepting reduced terms while others like The New Day were released after refusing to renegotiate. The contrast highlights a widening gap between executive compensation and talent pay under the TKO structure.