Vince Russo Defends TKO Asking WWE Talent to Take Pay Cuts

TLDR

Former WWE writer Vince Russo defended TKO's decision to ask WWE talent to take pay cuts, arguing the company is operating like any business by reevaluating talent based on current value rather than past success. Russo specifically cited The New Day as an example, stating that while they were major merchandise sellers years ago, their merch sales have declined and TKO is looking at whether they're worth their current contract in 2026. According to previous reports, TKO is seeking 50% restructuring of deals and justifying the cuts by pointing to reduced workloads, with talent now working one day per week instead of four and wrestling less frequently than in previous eras.