Kevin Nash has echoed calls for the unionization of professional wrestlers amid reported pay cuts in WWE.
Speaking on the Kliq This podcast, the wrestling legend strongly criticized reports that TKO Group Holdings is reducing pay for some main-event level talent by up to 50 percent within WWE.
“This could be one of those times where this whole 1099 thing finally just… you know, it’s not. Bring the folders out. Bring them all out,” Nash stated, invoking the spirit of former Governor and wrestler Jesse Ventura’s past efforts to organize.
The nWO co-founder also blasted TKO’s top brass for allegedly asking WWE talent to take drastic pay cuts while they have seen a massive uptick in salaries and bonuses.
For context, TKO Group Holdings recently announced an extension of WWE President Nick Khan’s contract, which included a significant increase in salary, bonuses, and stock awards.
“You can’t have it both ways,” Nash argued during the broadcast. “You can’t play Endeavor at the top with the 300% increases and 1099 the dock workers… If they’re going to play by those rules, let the boys play by the same rules.”
Kevin Nash proposes SAG-AFTRA type path for WWE talent amid pay cuts
Nash specifically proposed that wrestling talent should look toward the SAG-AFTRA for a path forward, noting that the production value and scripted nature of modern sports entertainment closely resemble the television and film industries that Endeavor Group Holdings already dominates.
“Go through Screen Actors Guild. They’ll be more than happy to take their cut of your money. It won’t be 50%, but it’ll change the ball game,” Nash suggested. “Take one of the programs that’s written down and you tell me that that program isn’t more heavily written and more produced than Curb Your Enthusiasm was when all those actors got SAG paid.”
Kevin Nash previously addressed reports of TKO’s involvement in WWE’s creative process, suggesting they should stay out of it, noting that a veteran like Paul Levesque is already doing his job effectively.
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