According to Dave Meltzer and Wrestling Observer Radio, even though WWE signed several deals for new talent leading up to 2020, they have kept their payroll spending low due to running fewer live events.
WWE Superstars are usually paid a set amount each quarter. The pay is based on how many live shows they work. If a pandemic like coronavirus occurs, the talent can only perform on RAW, SmackDown or NXT and that’s only if they’ve been booked to do so.
When WWE Superstars sign their contracts, they can be paid biweekly based on a downside guarantee or biweekly based on what they would normally get through live event pay, merchandise and royalties. If that number doesn’t reach their downside guarantee, WWE will pay the difference.
