In a surprising development, TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, is reportedly reevaluating the lucrative contract of one of its biggest stars, Roman Reigns, amid ongoing cost-cutting measures. According to discussions on The Last Word podcast, featuring former WWE employee Jonathan Coachman and co-host Tommy Carlucci, as well as inside information from AAA commentator Hugo Savinovich, TKO executives are questioning the value of Reigns’ estimated $15–20 million annual deal given his limited appearances.
Background on Roman Reigns’ Contract
Roman Reigns, widely regarded as the face of WWE for over a decade, has been a cornerstone of the company’s success. His reported annual salary of $15–20 million (which includes everything: merch pay, video game pay, PLE bonus, Saudi Arabia bonus) reflects his status as a top draw, with a global fanbase evidenced by his recent milestone of surpassing 10 million Instagram followers, making him the 7th most-followed wrestler on the platform. However, Reigns’ limited schedule—appearing in only 10–20 events per year, including just three matches in 2025—has raised eyebrows among TKO executives. Critics argue that his per-appearance cost, potentially exceeding $1 million, may not align with the company’s current financial strategy.
TKO’s Cost-Cutting Measures
Since the merger of WWE and UFC under TKO Group Holdings in 2023, the company has pursued aggressive cost-cutting to boost profitability. Recent reports indicate that TKO has systematically reduced WWE personnel over the past year, with high-profile releases including Braun Strowman, Cora Jade, and R-Truth, whose contract was not renewed after he reportedly rejected a lower offer. These moves reflect TKO’s focus on “the almighty bottom dollar,” as described by Coachman, with decisions driven by executives prioritizing quarterly financial optics over wrestling tradition.
The sale of 1.579 million TKO shares by former WWE chairman Vince McMahon to Endeavor for $250 million further underscores the company’s shifting priorities, as Endeavor now holds a 61.7% stake in TKO. Additionally, TKO’s first-quarter 2025 earnings reported a revenue of $1.269 billion, with WWE contributing $391.5 million, signaling strong financial performance but also pressure to maintain margins.
Speculation Surrounding Roman Reigns’ Future
The speculation about Reigns’ contract stems from comments made on The Last Word podcast, where Carlucci suggested that TKO executives, unlike wrestling veterans like Vince McMahon or Triple H, may not value Reigns’ contributions enough to justify his current deal. “They won’t cut him completely, but I can guarantee you he’s not getting nowhere near 15 to 20 million,” Carlucci stated, adding that executives might tell Reigns to “lump it” if he disagrees.
Hugo Savinovich confirmed the report, stating that TKO is re-evaluating Roman Reigns’ contract but has no plans to release him.
Roman Reigns’ Current WWE Status
Reigns’ absence from WWE programming since his loss at WrestleMania 41, where he was betrayed by his longtime advisor Paul Heyman, has fueled uncertainty about his future. The storyline saw Heyman align with Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, leaving Reigns sidelined after a brutal attack on the April 21 edition of RAW.
Reports suggest WWE may be saving a high-profile tag team match featuring Reigns and CM Punk against Rollins and Breakker for a major event like SummerSlam, indicating that creative plans for Reigns remain significant.
Moreover, Reigns’ public comments about his career timeline have added complexity to the situation. In a Vanity Fair interview, he hinted at retirement after his current contract, stating, “We probably got another year or two max.” Some speculate that Reigns may be leveraging media attention to negotiate better terms, a tactic compared to NFL star Lamar Jackson’s public contract discussions in 2023.
The Role of Triple H and Creative Control
A key point of contention is the influence of WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. While Levesque reportedly has full authority over personnel decisions, TKO’s corporate oversight dictates the timing of releases and contract negotiations. Carlucci suggested that even Levesque may not “lay his life on the line” to protect Reigns’ current deal, given TKO’s focus on financial efficiency.
Also Read: Release Date Of Roman Reigns’ Next Movie
