A Look at WWE Developmental Contracts

The latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter took a look at WWE developmental contracts and how much money they offer the superstars who sign them. While some contracts for well known talents may actually be more than discussed, the report claims that many wrestlers who agree to WWE developmental deals are getting paid much less than what they could be making working the independent circuit.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter writes,

Most WWE developmental contracts are in the $24,000 to $25,000 per year range, with two or three year deals. Obviously if you have a name, or they think you are a great prospect, the number can be completely different, but most legit indie stars or overseas stars are taking a cut for the opportunity, but the ones the company really wants would not fall into that category.

There are indie guys without being former TNA or WWE names who get some Japan and U.K. and can top $60,000 per year, and that’s good name indie guys, not great name who are earning more.

WWE has recently acquired some of the biggest names in international and domestic independent wrestling. First, the company signs KENTA, who will make his NXT debut during the Sept. 11 “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4 Way” event. Then, the company announced the signing of Fergal “Prince” Devitt, an Irish superstar that is well known for his incredible look (creative body paint), as well as his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

The company then announced that former Ring of Honor champion Kevin Steen is now signed to WWE’s developmental program, officially making 2014 a major year in the signing of talent to WWE developmental. Steen and Devitt are rumored to be debuting on NXT television before the end of 2014.

Other notable superstars who have taken a cut in pay to pursue their dreams of becoming a major player in WWE are Sami Zayn, who competed in the independent circuit as El Generico prior to signing with WWE, Adrian Neville, and Evan Bourne. Bourne as since returned to the independent scene having been released from WWE in 2014, while Zayn and Neville made their “Monday Night Raw” debuts on Sept. 8. Neville and Zayn are also in the main event of NXT’s upcoming special event on Sept. 11, “NXT Takeover: Fatal 4 Way.”

Editor’s Note:
The future is bright, but it’s crazy to see just how little these guys make as they are trying to fight their way through developmental and onto the main WWE roster.