More details have emerged regarding the drastic pay reductions WWE reportedly presented to veteran talents during recent contract negotiations under TKO Group Holdings ownership.
Following their debuts at AEW All In 2026 at Wembley Stadium, former WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi and Austin Creed (f.k.a. Xavier Woods)—now collectively performing as New Level—spoke with Ariel Helwani about their departures from WWE. During the interview, Kingston confirmed that WWE asked the duo to take a massive pay cut combined with reduced television roles.
“I will say, it was more than 50%. It was more,” Kingston stated regarding the financial offer WWE put on the table.
Conrad Thompson Reports WWE Offered 75% Pay Reduction
Providing further context on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson shared that the internal figure discussed behind the scenes was significantly higher than initial estimates.
“More than 90 days ago when we found out that New Day was no more in WWE, and there was lots of rumors and innuendo at the time that they were [offered] a 50 percent pay cut,” Thompson said. “The rumor and innuendo that I’ve heard is it was actually a 75 percent pay cut. And some of that was confirmed on an interview with Ariel Helwani. Now, they didn’t say 75, but that’s the number I’ve heard bandied around.”
Kingston and Creed wasted little time making an impact in All Elite Wrestling. Teaming alongside Swerve Strickland, the duo captured the AEW World Trios Championships in the first-ever Trios Roulette Royale at All In, outlasting six other teams, including former champions “Hangman” Adam Page and Brodido.
Ridge Holland Reveals He Was Offered A 56% Pay Reduction
The revelations prompted former WWE star Luke Menzies (f.k.a. Ridge Holland) to weigh in on social media regarding his own contract negotiations prior to his exit from the company. Menzies revealed that he experienced similar financial restructuring under the new corporate regime.
“Honestly, I think I may have been the first to experience the new TKO version of ‘contract Negotiations’ 56% pay cut…. OUCH!” Menzies posted.
The reports reflect a stark shift in WWE’s talent contract strategy under TKO management, with veteran talents facing steep pay cuts during renewal talks.
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