Eric Bischoff has clarified the workings of WWE’s intricate royalty system and why some royalty checks amount to only small sums. This explanation came after Marc Mero disclosed on the January 23, 2026 episode of 83 Weeks that he received just $71.47 in royalties from WWE, despite earning over $39,000 for his Wildman character in the last quarter of 2019.
Bischoff explained that royalties follow a specific formula. Although he still gets royalty statements, he rarely reviews them, only occasionally checking which categories generate the most income, mostly out of curiosity. He emphasized that these payments depend on precise factors like the duration a wrestler appears in videos and merchandise, meaning brief cameos generate minimal earnings. According to Bischoff, the royalties function more like a bonus than a consistent income, being paid quarterly and not something to be heavily relied upon.
He illustrated this by saying he might appear for a few seconds in a lengthy video with big names, resulting in just a few cents from that clip. For him, each royalty check is a surprise and considered extra money. Bischoff also pointed out that those seeking bigger royalty payments in the future should have negotiated better contract terms initially. He cited Mero as someone who chose immediate cash and made a smart decision.
Bischoff further noted that WWE’s royalty statements detail which DVDs and streaming specials talents feature in, but payments relate strictly to screen time and the value assigned to each content type. If someone appears only in group shots or flashbacks, compensation corresponds solely to their seconds on screen.
While Mero’s modest check caused public dissatisfaction, Bischoff’s explanation sheds light on the financial logic behind WWE’s extensive archive of legacy content.
Fan Take: This explanation is important for WWE fans as it reveals the often misunderstood complexities behind royalty payments, showing that brief appearances won’t yield large earnings. It might encourage wrestlers and fans alike to push for more transparent and fair compensation structures in the future, ultimately impacting how talent is valued in the industry.
