Backstage News On The Bonus System For NXT Contracted Talents
Contracted talents in NXT have not been receiving bonuses based on working events with bigger gates outside of their usual shows at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. This includes those who worked the NXT event in San Jose, California during WrestleMania weekend, a show that drew over 5,000 paid.
One of the key reasons WWE does not offer bonuses for these shows is because NXT live events and developmental in general are currently money losing businesses. Developmental loses money largely due to the fact that so many talents are under guaranteed contracts. Also, as a promotion, NXT only runs three live events locally in Florida, at the most, drawing 200-300 fans. They run the shows to give talent experience in front of a live crowd, and because there are no travel expenses for NXT talent working in Florida, the feeling is that they are being paid to learn.
NXT Takeover: Brooklyn on Saturday is expected to have a live gate of around $700,000, which is an incredible accomplishment for the brand. The Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens and Sasha Banks vs. Bayley title matches are the headlining attractions, and traditionally those involved would receive a bonus based on the gate, however that may not be the case with NXT Takeover: Brooklyn.
Kevin Owens is now on a main roster deal, and Balor’s deal is said to be different than the traditional developmental deals because he was already an established star, so they will both likely receive bonuses of some kind for the NXT Takeover: Brooklyn event.
Whether or not Banks and Bayley will receive bonuses is another question. Sasha may also be on a main roster deal now, and if that is the case, she would receive a bonus as well.
Basically, Bayley could end up being the lone performer among the four in headlining spots that will not receive a bonus due to the fact that she is under a regular developmental deal. WWE could end up throwing something her way because of that unique situation as well, however that remains to be seen.
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(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)