Feeling the Sting: How AEW’s New Salary Model Could Affect Wrestlers

The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotion is shaking up the professional wrestling world with a new pay structure that could drastically change the way wrestlers are compensated. On February 8, 2021, AEW announced that it would be converting to a “variable pay model”, a system in which wrestlers are paid based on the number of matches they wrestle and the size of the audience they draw. This move has the potential to revolutionize the way wrestlers are compensated and could have long-term effects on the industry.

What is AEW’s Variable Pay Model?

AEW’s new variable pay model is a departure from the traditional salary model. Under the traditional model, wrestlers are paid a flat fee regardless of the size of the audience or the number of matches they wrestle. Under AEW’s new model, wrestlers are paid based upon their performance. Wrestlers will receive a base salary, plus bonuses for matches and for drawing a large crowd. Additionally, wrestlers who draw large crowds will receive additional bonuses from sponsors and advertisers.

How Does This Affect Wrestlers?

The variable pay model has the potential to drastically change the way wrestlers are compensated. Under the traditional model, wrestlers may be paid the same salary regardless of whether they draw a large crowd or wrestle several matches. Under the variable pay model, wrestlers will be incentivized to draw larger crowds and wrestle more matches as they can make more money. This could create an environment in which wrestlers are more competitive and motivated to put on better performances in order to earn more money.

The variable pay model could also affect the way that wrestlers are booked. Under the traditional salary model, wrestlers may not be booked as often due to their salaries being too high. Under the variable pay model, wrestlers may be booked more often as they can be paid more when they draw large crowds. This could lead to a more competitive booking environment as wrestlers will be incentivized to put on better performances in order to draw larger crowds.

What Are The Benefits of the Variable Pay Model?

The variable pay model has several potential benefits for wrestlers. The most obvious is that it gives wrestlers the potential to make more money. Under the traditional model, wrestlers may be limited in the amount of money they can earn due to their salary structure. Under the variable pay model, wrestlers can make more money by drawing larger crowds and performing more matches. Additionally, the variable pay model gives wrestlers the potential to make money from sponsors and advertisers, something that was not possible under the traditional salary model.

The variable pay model also encourages wrestlers to be more competitive and put on better performances. As mentioned, wrestlers will be incentivized to draw larger crowds and perform more matches in order to make more money. This could create an environment in which wrestlers push each other to put on the best performances possible in order to earn more money.

What Are The Risks of the Variable Pay Model?

There are also potential risks associated with the variable pay model. For example, under the traditional salary model, wrestlers are guaranteed a certain amount of money regardless of the size of the crowd or the number of matches they wrestle. Under the variable pay model, there is no guarantee that a wrestler will make more money, even if they draw a large crowd or wrestle several matches. Additionally, the variable pay model could lead to a situation in which wrestlers are only booked for the matches that will draw the largest crowds, thus limiting their opportunities.

What Are the Implications for the Wrestling Industry?

The variable pay model has the potential to revolutionize the wrestling industry. Under the traditional salary model, wrestlers were limited in the amount of money they could make and the opportunities they had to make money. Under the variable pay model, wrestlers can make more money and have more opportunities to make money. Additionally, the variable pay model encourages wrestlers to be more competitive and puts a greater emphasis on performance, which could lead to higher quality matches. This could be a positive development for the wrestling industry, as it could lead to higher ratings and greater fan engagement.

What Are the Consequences of the Variable Pay Model?

While the variable pay model could potentially benefit wrestlers and the wrestling industry, it could also have some negative consequences. As mentioned, there is no guarantee that a wrestler will make more money under the variable pay model, even if they draw a large crowd or wrestle several matches. This could lead to a situation in which wrestlers are not adequately compensated for their work. Additionally, the variable pay model could lead to a situation in which wrestlers are only booked for the matches that will draw the largest crowds, thus limiting their opportunities.

What is the Future of AEW’s Variable Pay Model?

AEW’s variable pay model is a bold move that could potentially revolutionize the wrestling industry. It is too early to tell whether the model will be successful, but it has the potential to benefit both wrestlers and the industry as a whole. If the model is successful, it could become the new standard for wrestling promotions and could lead to more competitive booking, higher quality matches, and more opportunities for wrestlers to make money. It remains to be seen whether AEW’s variable pay model will prove successful, but it is sure to have a lasting impact on the wrestling industry.

Conclusion

AEW’s variable pay model could revolutionize the wrestling industry by giving wrestlers more opportunities to make money and by encouraging more competitive booking and higher quality matches. While the model has potential benefits, it could also lead to wrestlers not being adequately compensated and being limited in the number of opportunities they have. The success or failure of the model will determine its long-term effects on the industry and will be something to keep an eye on in the coming months and years.