TKO as a group has boxing as one of its sports but some concerning report has come about that could effect their boxers.
Boxing is flying of course and the sport will only continued to expand aggressively in the time ahead.
But the new TKO venture in boxing might not be as good as you think as it turns out, lead by Dana White.
Here’s the facts on a new report with some new research being brought about with some facts on how it could effect their boxers in TKO Boxing as well:
TKO Asking WWE Talent for Pay Cuts – Key Facts
| Category | Fact |
|---|---|
| Report | WrestleVotes: TKO will approach WWE talent about taking less money |
| Quote | “They’re going to approach every single person they feel like they can about taking less money — that’s just the business we’re in right now with TKO.” |
| Who’s Safe | Top stars like Roman Reigns won’t be asked. Focus is talent “making a lot of money and not seen on TV too often.” |
| Example: The New Day | Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods had 7-figure deals to 2030. TKO asked them to restructure. They didn’t like the offers and were granted release |
| TKO Mandate | TKO told WWE to “cut the payroll by millions of dollars.” Led to 20-30+ releases post-WrestleMania 42 |
| Who Decided Cuts | Triple H & Nick Khan selected names. TKO influence is via “cost-cutting pressure, profit-driven structure, contract restructuring.” |
| Contract Reality | WWE deals have no no-cut clause. “WWE can fire anyone at any time for any reason — or no reason at all.” |
| Royalty Cuts | Kevin Nash: Royalty checks are “half” what they were under Vince. nWo merch now lumped into one “intellectual property” line |
| TKO COO Quote | Mark Shapiro: “We’re running a pretty lean cost structure. In that cost structure is fighter pay… The cream of the crop will be paid the premium dollars.” |
| Merger Goal | Ari Emanuel planned to reduce WWE expenses by $50M-$100M after 2023 merger to boost profit, same as UFC in 2016 |
| Employee Side | WWE staff lost stock perks. Some work 50-60 hour weeks + UFC tasks. Concern TKO Boxing adds workload without pay |
What This Means for TKO Boxing
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pay Structure | “Lean cost structure” model from UFC/WWE. Premium dollars only for “cream of the crop.” Mid-tier gets flat fees |
| Fighter Security | No guarantees. Like WWE, if you’re not a draw or on PPV, you’re expendable. Non-PPV names get tight base pay |
| UFC Template | Endeavor’s UFC approach: fighter comp grows slower than revenue/profit. Expect tiered purses + bonuses, not big guarantees |
| Roster Strategy | TKO cut 20-30+ WWE talents in 2026. Boxing will likely run small roster: few stars + prospects. Deep undercards trimmed |
| IP & Royalties | WWE legends’ royalties cut in half. TKO controls IP/likeness. Boxers should expect TKO to own merch, image rights, ancillaries |
| Business Philosophy | Critics: WWE feels “more corporate and commercially driven than ever.” TKO Boxing = profit first vs traditional promoter overspend |
| Who Gets Paid | Usyk, Canelo-level PPV draws get premium. Everyone else: lean deals, no long-term security |
Don’t believe everything you hear.
Dana White looks a mess recently and hungover all the time. Very strange to see him so nervous recently and hungover all the time.
The above might be why.
Boxing will move on and continue to do great this year as a sport however and return to the masses and back to one of the biggest sports on Earth this year.
Powered by great fights.
Like Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley this weekend.
Roll on.
