Roman Reigns' WWE Contract Under Review Amid Cost-Cutting Measures
WWE's Financial Restructuring Affects Roman Reigns
WWE is undergoing significant changes under TKO's management, and even its star performer, Roman Reigns, is not exempt from these adjustments. Following their strategy to reduce expenses, WWE has already let go of several talents after Wrestlemania. Now, it seems that Reigns' high-value contract is also set for scrutiny.
Recent discussions on The Last Word podcast revealed that TKO Group Holdings, WWE's parent company, is evaluating Roman Reigns' lucrative contract as part of its cost-reduction efforts. This information was shared by former WWE employee Jonathan Coachman and co-host Tommy Carlucci, along with AAA commentator Hugo Savinovich.
The podcast indicated that TKO executives are reconsidering the worth of Reigns' estimated $15–20 million annual salary, particularly due to his limited appearances throughout the year. This figure encompasses his earnings from merchandise, video games, bonuses from premium live events (PLE), and his status as a leading draw for the company. However, TKO officials are reportedly dissatisfied with his infrequent appearances on WWE shows.
Limited Appearances Raise Concerns
In 2025, Roman Reigns has only participated in three matches on WWE television, a statistic that has raised concerns among TKO executives. Critics have pointed out that his cost per appearance may exceed $1 million, which does not align with the company's current financial strategy.
Since the merger of WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings in 2023, the organization has implemented a cost-cutting approach aimed at enhancing profitability. This has led to the release of several high-profile wrestlers, including Braun Strowman and Cora Jade. The executives are prioritizing financial performance over traditional wrestling values, putting even Reigns under scrutiny.
During the podcast, Carlucci noted that TKO executives, unlike wrestling veterans such as Vince McMahon or Triple H, do not view Reigns' contributions to WWE as sufficient to justify his current contract. He stated, "They won’t cut him completely, but I can guarantee you he’s not getting nowhere near 15 to 20 million," suggesting that TKO executives might tell Reigns to accept the changes if he disagrees. Hugo Savinovich confirmed that while TKO will reassess his contract, there are no plans to release him.