Former WWE Superstar Marc Mero shared a royalty statement revealing a stark contrast between revenue generated by content featuring his likeness and the compensation he received. The statement, dated December 19, 2019, offers a glimpse into the financial realities for some professional wrestlers long after leaving the ring.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mero stated he was “partly responsible for $39,590.81 in revenue” during the reporting period, yet the check he received for that quarter totaled just $71.47. It’s a disparity that sparked a wider conversation about wrestler compensation and the long-term value of their contributions to the industry.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The documents accompanying Mero’s post detail video sales and licensing fees, listing “WWE Earned Royalties” alongside the “Talent Royalty Earned.” Specific examples illustrate the imbalance:
- “The Evolution of WWE”: WWE earned $13,067.05, while Mero’s payout was $20.04.
- “The Evolution of WWE’s W”: WWE earnings totaled $7,678.00, with a talent payout of $11.78.
- “Monday Night War Vol. 2”: WWE earned $1,933.25, and Mero received $2.26.
The summary page shows the $71.47 net royalty payment comprised $42.71 in earnings for the current quarter and $28.76 in “previously unpaid royalties earned.”
Mero’s Perspective
Mero, known to fans as “Wildman” Marc Mero, noted he departed from WWE “more than 20 years ago.” He shared the statement to shed light on the often-unseen financial realities for wrestlers.
“That’s the reality for a lot of wrestlers,” Mero wrote. “We helped build the brand, the characters, and the moments fans still watch today, yet the compensation rarely reflects the value that was created.”
I’ve been asked many times what wrestlers actually make in royalties from the WWE, so let me give you a real example.
I left the WWE years ago, and more than 20 years later, in 2019, I came across an old royalty statement. When you look at how much money many wrestlers help… pic.twitter.com/AKy5330YXv
— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) January 22, 2026
What percentage of revenue do wrestlers typically receive in royalties? The example provided by Marc Mero suggests a very small fraction—less than 2 percent—of the revenue generated from content featuring their likeness.
Mero’s post has ignited discussion among fans and industry observers, raising questions about fair compensation for performers whose work continues to generate revenue for entertainment companies long after their in-ring careers have ended.
