Add as a preferred source on Google JBL came to the defense of WWE Superstars who accepted new contracts at reduced rates under TKO management, amid a recent wave of criticism from fans on social media.
On a recent episode of Something to Wrestle, the WWE Hall of Famer said the public needs to be more realistic when looking at the situation, especially when it comes to veterans getting guaranteed money on long-term deals. For JBL, it makes no sense to demand that someone walk away from millions just to make a public protest.
The former WWE Champion also compared the current landscape to the early days of his own career, recalling that during his first run with the company, he worked almost every live event and pay-per-view while paying for his own hotels, food, and rental cars. According to him, the quality of life for wrestlers today is much better, with less travel and a lighter schedule.
The comments come after new details about WWE’s salary restructuring came to light. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, fewer than six wrestlers were approached about cuts, and at least one major name accepted a 50% reduction to stay with the company.
The most talked-about case is still The New Day. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods left WWE after turning down a new reduced deal, even with years still left on their contracts.
Despite the criticism, TKO is still riding a strong financial run. In the first quarter of 2026, WWE generated $475.7 million in revenue, up 22% from the previous year.
In other words, for JBL, the decision is up to the wrestlers, not the fans.