WWE staff members have expressed growing workplace concerns amid the ongoing integration with UFC under the TKO banner, according to a new report from Wrestlenomics. Brandon Thurston interviewed several current employees who described a working environment marked by reduced benefits, limited compensation adjustments, and intensified workloads.
The report details the elimination of several employee benefit programs previously valued by WWE staff. The “WWE Superstar” peer-recognition initiative, which allowed employees to award points redeemable for cash bonuses, gift cards, and various experiences, has been discontinued. Additionally, the company has ended its stock purchase program following the merger with UFC to form TKO, and has largely ceased providing complimentary live event tickets, a long-standing employee perk.
This information aligns with a November report from Fightful Select, which noted wrestler frustrations regarding ticket availability.
WWE talent expressed frustration that comps are no longer available in many cases, and instead talent are getting a pre-sale link that their friends and family can utilize and get tickets before general on-sale. We aren’t sure if this applies to talent across the board, but a number of talent have indicated that it affects them.
Compensation issues represent another significant concern raised in the Wrestlenomics report. Despite WWE’s financial success, employees indicated their salary adjustments have been minimal. Several staff members reported receiving only a 3% cost-of-living raise this year, which they maintain fails to adequately address rising living expenses in Connecticut and New York, where WWE headquarters are located.
The report states that employee morale “has been declining for some time now,” according to information provided by current staff members. When concerns have been raised to lower- and middle-level managers, these issues have reportedly been attributed to decisions made at the executive level of the organization.
TKO is scheduled to release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results on Wednesday, which may provide additional context regarding the company’s overall performance and future direction.