Former WWE wrestler Marc Mero, who retired years ago, continues to earn money from his past work, but some revenue streams are notably low. Recently, Mero shared a 2019 royalty statement addressing WWE payments related to his likeness in videos. The statement revealed that out of $39,590 in net royalties generated by WWE, Mero only received $71.47. He shared this to spotlight the widespread pay issues many wrestlers endure, emphasizing how, despite their significant contributions to building the WWE brand and creating memorable moments, the financial rewards often don’t match the value brought to the company.
Mero, known as “The Wild Man,” wrestled for WWE from 1996 to 1999, holding the WWE Intercontinental Championship once and appearing alongside his then-wife, former Women’s Champion Sable. He wrestled his last match in 2006 before officially retiring that year.
Fan Take: This revelation sheds light on the stark disparity between WWE’s earnings from its stars and the modest payments wrestlers receive long after they’ve left the ring. For WWE fans, it raises important questions about fair compensation and respect for the athletes who helped shape the industry, potentially sparking calls for better royalty structures and more transparency in the business.
