Former WWE star was offered a 56% salary paycut before exit

Recently, after Kofi and Xavier Woods [Austin Creed] made their AEW All debut, they appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show. During their appearance on the show, the duo opened up about the rumors of their WWE salary pay cut.

While they did not confirm the exact number, they opened up and shared that it was a bit above 50%. Shortly after, podcaster Conrad Thompson made an online remark about hearing the pay cut to be around 75%. However, Thompson’s remarks were soon brushed aside after Bryan Alvarez of WON confirmed it to be a bit above 50%.

Shortly after, the salary pay cuts became a topic of discussion and went viral on social media. Former WWE Superstar and current TNA wrestler AJ Francis remarked that his salary was cut 100% by WWE, which was a hint toward WWE releasing him from his contract.

This caught the attention of former WWE Superstar Ridge Holland, aka Luke Menzies, who claimed that his salary was cut by 56% by the promotion. “Honestly I think I may have been the first to experience the new TKO version of ‘contract Negotiations,’” Holland wrote. “56% paycut…. OUCH!”

Last year in Oct. 2025, Menzies’ contract with WWE was not extended, and he was let go from the promotion while recovering from a serious injury. Menzies’ WWE exit became a talking point on social media as he was let go while he was injured. A few months ago, Menzies was cleared for in-ring action and has been actively performing since then. A former rugy player, Menzies, going by Holland, became one of the most popular names in the company.

The post Former WWE star was offered a 56% salary paycut before exit appeared first on ClutchPoints.