CM Punk Discusses Salaried Contracts In Wrestling, ‘I Feel Like There’s Not The Same Ambition’

CM Punk comments on pay changing the wrestling business.

The main event used to be a coveted spot in the world of wrestling, as the performers would get paid more to headline the show. This is largely not the case anymore, as many wrestlers in major companies are paid on a fixed salary basis.

Speaking with Brandon Walker and Mark Titus of Mostly Sports for a new interview, Punk spoke about this change.

“The business has radically changed. It was a different place when I signed then when I debuted and [it was different] when I came back. It’s such a radically different place. The thing with the title too is that it also means you made more money. That does not exist anymore. It’s good and bad. We all make more money now, which is thumbs up. But, my paycheck was always predicated on how many people were in the building, so I was driven towards ticket sales and the business of it and when you’re in the main event, you got paid more money. Now, everyone is just kind of on salary.”

Punk went on to say that salaried contracts cause some of the wrestlers to lose drive and ambition.

“So I think that’s good and bad. It’s good for the boys, but also I feel there’s not the same ambition, you know? I always wanted to be in the main event because, again, it got me more money. Now, I don’t care if I’m the opening match because I’m still gonna make the same. I can shower and watch the show now.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Punk explained why he doesn’t plan on writing a book. Fans can check out his full comments by clicking here.

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