A recent report by Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics details a significant decline in WWE employee morale under TKO ownership, citing increased workloads, limited pay increases, and reduced benefits.
Specifically, the addition of Professional Bull Riders to the company, including its streaming on WWE’s YouTube channel, has increased workloads for employees, many of whom have seen colleagues laid off since the Endeavor takeover. Despite this, bonuses have been minimal, and annual raises have been described as “simply” a slight 3% increase, aligning with the Wrestlenomics report.
Employees are concerned that they will continue to bear the burden of increased responsibilities during the WrestleMania season while the company profits without commensurate compensation.
The elimination of complimentary event tickets, replaced by VIP pre-sale passwords, has also been a major source of unhappiness within the company. This change has affected both employees and top talent, whose ticket requests are now subject to increased scrutiny. All requests reportedly require approval from WWE President Nick Khan’s office.
PWInsider.com confirmed Wrestlenomics’ report that WWE HQ employees are increasingly frustrated by the company’s positive financial reports and upset with limited raises, minimal bonuses, and expanding daily responsibilities. The termination of the employee stock purchase program has further eroded morale.
