Former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose has openly discussed what she views as a significant gender-based double standard in professional wrestling, focusing particularly on pay disparities and limited revenue opportunities for female wrestlers. Through various interviews, Rose expressed frustration with WWE’s restrictions on outside earnings and emphasized the stark wage gap between men and women in the industry.
She highlighted systemic inequality within WWE by noting that only one woman, Rhea Ripley, ranks among the top 10 highest-paid wrestlers on the current roster. Rose acknowledged a persistent double standard, though she remains hopeful about the gradual improvements being made in women’s sports.
Rose criticized WWE’s approach to talent compensation, especially its constraints on outside income streams. She pointed out that many social media stars earn more than actors and actresses, yet WWE limits wrestlers from maximizing their brand potential.
Since her release from WWE in December 2022, Rose has found great financial success through her content creation platform Fantime, earning more in three months there than she did in a year with WWE—a financial shift she describes as life-changing. However, she also spoke about the unusual types of fan requests she receives on the platform, including quirky demands related to her wrestling persona.
Her reflections also expose broader industry challenges around gender equality and pay fairness. While WWE has made strides in promoting women’s wrestling, ongoing wage gaps remain a serious concern, particularly as WWE’s restrictive policies on external revenue seem to disproportionately impact female talent.
Despite these criticisms, Rose believes the wrestling world is progressing for women but insists there is still much work to be done. Her remarks come amid increasing conversations about pay equity in sports and entertainment, with her own success outside WWE showcasing new financial opportunities for performers beyond traditional wrestling companies.
Looking ahead, Rose hinted at future collaborations, including work with former WWE star Dana Brooke (Ashley Severa), emphasizing the value of working with familiar colleagues.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, Rose’s candid insights shed light on the crucial issues of gender equality, pay, and opportunity for performers. Her ability to generate a strong income outside WWE highlights that female wrestlers now have more options than ever to control their financial futures, even if it means stepping away from the conventional wrestling scene.
Fan Take: Mandy Rose’s revelations underscore important challenges female wrestlers face within WWE, particularly regarding pay and creative freedom. For WWE fans, this news matters because it signals growing tensions around equality that could drive changes in how female talent is treated—and potentially usher in a new era of empowerment and opportunity in professional wrestling.
