Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
According to sources, NXT contracted talent have not been bonused based on working shows with bigger gates outside of Florida. Even those that worked the San Jose event during Mania weekend, which drew over 5,000 paid, did not get a percentage of the gate. The reason for this is because NXT live events and developmental are currently money losers. Developmental loses money because of so many talents being on a guaranteed deal. Also, they only run at most, three live events a week locally in Florida, drawing 200-300 fans. They run the shows to give talent experience in front of a live crowd, and NXT talent working in Florida have no road expenses; the feeling is they are being paid to learn. It should be noted that when NXT talent is brought to WWE live events, they are paid for those shows and also have their road expenses covered, which isn’t the case for the contracted WWE talent.
Saturday’s NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event will have a gate of around $700,000, which is a great accomplishment for the brand. The Sasha Banks vs. Bayley and Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor matches are the headlining matches, and traditionally those involved would be bonused based off of the gate. But that may not be the case. Owens is now on a main roster deal, and Balor’s deal is believed to be different than the traditional developmental deal because he was an established star in a major league promotion, so they should get bonuses. The question now comes to the ladies. Sasha Banks may now be on a main roster deal, and if that is the case, she would get a bonus as well. What this means is that Bayley could be left out in the cold as far as the bonuses go, due to the fact that she is just under a regular developmental deal.
