A recent interview with former WWE talent Priscilla Kelly (known as Gigi Dolin in NXT) has reportedly caused frustration within the company regarding her claims about developmental salaries. Speaking with Denise Salcedo, Kelly addressed what she believes are misconceptions about the wealth of WWE superstars.
“The common misconception, especially about NXT performers, is that we’re millionaires,” Kelly said. “A lot of our fans, for some reason, think that if you work in WWE and you’re under that umbrella, you’re a millionaire. You live in a mansion, you’re driving a Benz, you’ve got it made. That’s not the case. In NXT, there are contracts as low as $30,000 a year, and they do not go as high as you think.”
According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, these comments did not sit well with WWE management. Alvarez disputed the $30,000 figure for contracted talent, stating that the base for television talent is significantly higher, while also clarifying the pay structure for the new WWE ID program.
“She mentioned that people made as little as $30,000 and, man, people in WWE were not happy with that interview, because nobody is making $30,000 in NXT,” Alvarez said. “The NXT deals start at $75,000. So if you’re on television wrestling on NXT television as a contracted performer, you’re making at minimum $75,000. Now, if you are a Jordynne Grace or a Ricky Saints or whoever, you’re obviously going to be making more than that….Nobody is making $30,000, but at the same time, the WWE ID talent – nobody is making close to $30,000. They’re making significantly less because essentially the contracts are [that] we have the right to match any offer.”
The discussion around pay comes amidst other financial revelations from released talent. Ridge Holland recently disclosed that he received a foreclosure notice on his home shortly before his rant towards WWE, which was followed by the news that his contract would not be renewed. Meanwhile, talents like Karrion Kross and Scarlett have stated they are earning more outside the company.
NXT is currently building toward its final premium live event of the year, NXT Deadline, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. The event will feature the Iron Survivor Challenge matches.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Fightful and Wrestling Observer Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can subscribe to the Wrestling Observer by visiting F4WOnline.com.
