The W
June 7, 2009 - birthdaybritney.jpg
Views: 178998870
Main | FAQ | Search: Y! / G | Calendar | Color chart | Log in for more!
28.3.24 0731
The W - Pro Wrestling - TNA's treatment of talent
This thread has 49 referrals leading to it
Register and log in to post!
Thread rated: 4.88
Pages: 1 2 Next
(3612 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
User
Post (32 total)
cenamark21
Weisswurst








Since: 27.10.10

Since last post: 4787 days
Last activity: 4787 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.33
http://www.cagesideseats.com/​2010/​9/​29/​1719902/​an-​examination-​of-​tnas-​appalling-​treatment-​of-​talent


    That three of your biggest female stars quite loudly leave due to pay, and you have a Knockouts champion that gets recognized and humiliated while she works a sales job at Sunglass Hut because you don't pay her anything still doesn’t qualify as a "great incentive" might tell you everything you need to know about the short-sightedness and shameful coldness of TNA management towards their talent.


I'll have to remember this next time Dixie harps on about the "TNA family."


(edited by thecubsfan on 27.10.10 1103)
Promote this thread!
thecubsfan
Scrapple
Moderator








Since: 10.12.01
From: Aurora, IL

Since last post: 947 days
Last activity: 327 days
#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 10.00
I just edited your post. Reposting complete articles is bad, Bix would appreciate the extra clicks.

I would suggest the problems with how talent is treated is less a TNA issue and more a systemic problem (spanning the globe.)



thecubsfan.com - luchablog
cenamark21
Weisswurst








Since: 27.10.10

Since last post: 4787 days
Last activity: 4787 days
#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.33
That's fine. I just know people can be link shy.

Honestly, a lot of this is mainly a TNA problem. As the article points out, they're the only national promotion, that I can think of anyway, that refuses to pay for injuries that occur on their watch and WWE have at least made efforts regarding concussions.

There was also a story on that site about Madison having to babysit recently because she needed the cash. Reading her twitter she still seems to live with her parents and sells every piece of ring gear on ebay.

This is TNA's most pushed female star, by the way.

(edited by cenamark21 on 27.10.10 1124)
spf
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: The Las Vegas of Canada

Since last post: 3069 days
Last activity: 404 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.16
TNA is really two companies.

If you are a top-card male star, or even a mid-carder who management really likes, you're getting treated and paid well and able to live exclusively off wrestling for them if you so choose.

If you're a female, or a lower-card male worker, TNA is basically an indy company with a tv deal. TNA is not going to pay all the bills for you, and you will either have to work a lot of other dates (which is tough since TNA's booking office demands such a large fee for their talent) or have a 9-5 job. At least when Taylor Wilde was the KO champ she was just a full-time student.



2007 and 2008 W-League Fantasy Football champion!
wannaberockstar
Frankfurter








Since: 7.3.02

Since last post: 2735 days
Last activity: 198 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.01
    Originally posted by spf
    TNA is really two companies.

    If you are a top-card male star, or even a mid-carder who management really likes, you're getting treated and paid well and able to live exclusively off wrestling for them if you so choose.

    If you're a female, or a lower-card male worker, TNA is basically an indy company with a tv deal. TNA is not going to pay all the bills for you, and you will either have to work a lot of other dates (which is tough since TNA's booking office demands such a large fee for their talent) or have a 9-5 job. At least when Taylor Wilde was the KO champ she was just a full-time student.


Sadly, this is so true.

And let's not even get into their love for unnecessary blading and unprotected chair shots (which I'm fairly certain that this past Impact ended with one as a main focal point).
Scottyflamingo
Bratwurst








Since: 23.6.10
From: Auburn, AL

Since last post: 3905 days
Last activity: 3634 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.77
The more I read about TNA's backstage the less hope I have in them ever being remotely competitive. Sad, because they could have the most talented roster in the business with a few cuts and budget adjustments.
cenamark21
Weisswurst








Since: 27.10.10

Since last post: 4787 days
Last activity: 4787 days
#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.33
I think there's a lot of stuff that doesn't come out, and would shock people if they knew. The article is scathing but a few people have pointed out it only really scratches the surface.

From what I understand, Madison is far from the only one to have trouble affording house show expenses, and it's not uncommon for a wrestler to lie about an injury because they can't afford the hotel or gas money. I don't know if it happens all the time, but there have been a few rumours about it happening before.

And a ton of people are rumoured to have second jobs: someone mentioned seeing one of the young bucks at radio shack. Working there, not as a customer. Taylor will works second jobs too. Although I think she tried to quit day jobs after getting spotted at sunglass hut. ODB worked at a bar and Val sells dates with herself on her site.

A lot of the new indie guys signs (Robbie G, Cookie) were signed partly because TNA knew they wouldn't have to pay them and they'd be desperate for tv exsposure. They might be even getting less than $300 (generally what the lowest paid people get but there were rumours Roxxi got $150 per night while she was there.) Rosie Lottalov was signed, even though she was terrible, partly because she lived nearby and wouldn't ask for any money.

(edited by cenamark21 on 28.10.10 1452)

(edited by cenamark21 on 28.10.10 1454)

(edited by cenamark21 on 28.10.10 1455)
Zeruel
Thirty Millionth Hit
Moderator








Since: 2.1.02
From: The Silver Spring in the Land of Mary.

Since last post: 1675 days
Last activity: 1675 days
#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.33
    Originally posted by cenamark21
    ODB worked at a bar


She did and according to the last update I noticed in my news feed from her Facebook, she is still working there now.

    Originally posted by Jessica Kresa

    Off to a lovely nite of work at the bar,stop by if yur n the anoka,mn area.COURTSIDE BAR N GRILL BAMMMMMMMMMMM
    October 23 at 5:26pm ·






-- 2006 Time magazine Person of the Year --

-- July 2009 Ordained Reverend --
Scottyflamingo
Bratwurst








Since: 23.6.10
From: Auburn, AL

Since last post: 3905 days
Last activity: 3634 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.77
Wasn't Nash getting paid something like $2000 per appearance?

TNA is basically saying that he is worth Generation Me, Taylor Wilde, and Madison Rayne COMBINED

Not paying for travel is bullcrap. It is one thing if a wrestler wants to live in California and commute to the Impact Zone, but for house shows away for Orlando, TNA should be paying mileage at least.
cenamark21
Weisswurst








Since: 27.10.10

Since last post: 4787 days
Last activity: 4787 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.33
Scott Hall was reported to be getting $3000.

Also, Meltzer said Johnny Fairplay got $350,000 out of TNA. Really. Fairplay talked about it on f4w. He also got heatlh insurance.

And yet they can't pay for guys surgeries because of "budget issues" and the women's champion has to work at sunglass hut.

Also, apparently, part of why Madison had to lie about the house show story was because she could have lost her job if she'd confirmed the rumours, or at least not denied it loudly enough. Someone over at diva-dirt told me that: they knew full well it was true (they talk to a lot of women in wrestling, especially TNA) but didn't challenge her denial because they didn't want to get her in trouble.

What a monster this company is.



(edited by cenamark21 on 28.10.10 1710)

(edited by cenamark21 on 28.10.10 1711)
InVerse
Boudin blanc








Since: 26.8.02

Since last post: 2046 days
Last activity: 2009 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.35
    Originally posted by cenamark21
    ODB worked at a bar


To be fair, the way ODB drinks, she could be headlining Wrestlemania and she'd still need a second job to cover her alcohol expenses. She probably works at a bar for the fringe benefits.
Scottyflamingo
Bratwurst








Since: 23.6.10
From: Auburn, AL

Since last post: 3905 days
Last activity: 3634 days
#12 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.77
$3,000 for Hall? Yeah, there is no saving this place.
Tribal Prophet
Andouille








Since: 9.1.02
From: Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Since last post: 2936 days
Last activity: 2196 days
#13 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.33
Forget Hall, wasn't J-WOWWWWWW getting 15k for 1 night?

If you've got that much money to throw away without even putting in the effort to TRY to make the segment work, you should have enough to pay living wages to the people you've got on primetime tv.
BigDaddyLoco
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02

Since last post: 327 days
Last activity: 327 days
#14 Posted on | Instant Rating: 3.95

    "I was working at Sunglass Hut at a mall in Mississauga, a job that could be maintained by a monkey, so standing around for six hours earning minimum wage wasn’t the issue. But after serving this one customer for an extended period of time he ever so politely uttered, ‘Aren’t you the TNA Woman’s Knockout Champion?’ I handed in my resignation that day."




If they are going to get paid that low then TNA should take care of the health and travel side of things, and obviously if you did away with guys like Nash you could spread the money around more to the regulars.


All that aside though, what makes Taylor Wilde think she is going to float under the radar that long at a place like that? How long did that take? One shift? A week? She's on cable tv every week and is a hot chick of course she is going to get recognized.

dMp
Knackwurst








Since: 4.1.02
From: The Hague, Netherlands (Europe)

Since last post: 265 days
Last activity: 13 hours
#15 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.78
    Originally posted by BigDaddyLoco

    If they are going to get paid that low then TNA should take care of the health and travel side of things, and obviously if you did away with guys like Nash you could spread the money around more to the regulars.


    All that aside though, what makes Taylor Wilde think she is going to float under the radar that long at a place like that? How long did that take? One shift? A week? She's on cable tv every week and is a hot chick of course she is going to get recognized.




I'm sure she looks different in real life without the "stage make-up" and such. But yeah, sooner than later someone who watches wrestling will recognize her.

And I fear that the money would be spent elsewhere (or not at all) if it didn't go to guys like Nash.

Cruel business sense: It's obvious they are willing to work for less than stellar pay. So why give them more?

Btw, I was thinking about all this and talking about it with someone.
How much better is the situation in WWE?
I know they get paid more, I know top guys can make a LOT of money. But what's the deal again on hospital bills, travel and lodging and such?

From all the stories I read, they gotta take care of cars (and hotels?) themselves. How about planes?
And how far does WWE go when it comes to health care?
There cannot be an regular health plan because that means the wrestlers are employees. So how is their situation different than TNA's?




Avatar Mud
lotjx
Scrapple








Since: 5.9.08

Since last post: 1681 days
Last activity: 1520 days
#16 Posted on | Instant Rating: 1.65
    Originally posted by dMp
      Originally posted by BigDaddyLoco

      If they are going to get paid that low then TNA should take care of the health and travel side of things, and obviously if you did away with guys like Nash you could spread the money around more to the regulars.


      All that aside though, what makes Taylor Wilde think she is going to float under the radar that long at a place like that? How long did that take? One shift? A week? She's on cable tv every week and is a hot chick of course she is going to get recognized.




    I'm sure she looks different in real life without the "stage make-up" and such. But yeah, sooner than later someone who watches wrestling will recognize her.

    And I fear that the money would be spent elsewhere (or not at all) if it didn't go to guys like Nash.

    Cruel business sense: It's obvious they are willing to work for less than stellar pay. So why give them more?

    Btw, I was thinking about all this and talking about it with someone.
    How much better is the situation in WWE?
    I know they get paid more, I know top guys can make a LOT of money. But what's the deal again on hospital bills, travel and lodging and such?

    From all the stories I read, they gotta take care of cars (and hotels?) themselves. How about planes?
    And how far does WWE go when it comes to health care?
    There cannot be an regular health plan because that means the wrestlers are employees. So how is their situation different than TNA's?



They didn't have health care last time I checked, but they may now thanks to the new health care laws. I know it was used as a shot at Linda in the campaign. I would think air travel is taken care especially overseas. Yet, they do manage to tour in cities that are within driving distances to each other most of the time. WWE pays more, because its a billion dollar company as well. They can throw money around, but the travel schedule is a giant pain in the ass. 300 days a year and they wonder why guys get hurt or burned out. TNA doesn't have that schedule which cuts most of the cost for a wrestler right there.

I think you start with a high 5 figure or low 6 figure as a rookie when you get to the main roster of Raw or Smackdown. I don't think FCW pays that well and I do remember hearing stories of most of the guys being bouncers while in development. So, it doesn't shock me the girls need part time jobs. Even though they are the ratings movers and bust their ass as well.

Now, if I could play Devil's Advocate here. TNA is not that giant of a company. Part of the reason, people go to them is because they can't get into WWE or the WWE schedule has burnt out other wrestlers who just need a break. They have to pay money get top named talent and sadly Nash is a named talent, granted not a good one, but he has a name. Velvet, Madison, Love and the rest of the non-ex WWE employees don't. Same goes with Lethal, Doug Williams and so on. They are lucky to have work on TV at all. TNA could scrap the women's division tomorrow and people would be pissed, but it won't kill the show entirely. Also, its not like they do a lot of work. They are not in the 10-20 minute matches that Kurt, Anderson, AJ and most of the men are in. They probably work about 15 minutes a day counting promos and match time. This week's Impact is an anomaly. They get paid for being part timers, because they are. They have opportunity to make money via the house shows as well as merchandising.

It sucks for them, but they are at least getting a paycheck unless most Americans right now. They also get to live the dream of being a wrestler, the reality sucks, but they can quit after their contracts are up. As for getting paid less then the guys, welcome to corporate America for the last 250 years. Personally, I think they should get the same pay as the guys and health care, but I don't see the TNA books, so I don't even know if that is viable. Also, isn't Nash's contract up this month, no need to resign him.
DJ FrostyFreeze
Scrapple








Since: 2.1.02
From: Hawthorne, CA

Since last post: 137 days
Last activity: 137 days
#17 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.42
Read it and weep, fella


    Originally posted by dMp
    Btw, I was thinking about all this and talking about it with someone.
    How much better is the situation in WWE?
    I know they get paid more, I know top guys can make a LOT of money. But what's the deal again on hospital bills, travel and lodging and such?

    From all the stories I read, they gotta take care of cars (and hotels?) themselves. How about planes?
    And how far does WWE go when it comes to health care?
    There cannot be an regular health plan because that means the wrestlers are employees. So how is their situation different than TNA's?

From what I've read, WWE takes care of all work-related medical. I guess that doesn't include dental, vision, check-ups, pre-natal care, etc.

As far as travel goes, I think the wrestlers are on their own when traveling 200 miles or less from their homes or the last show location. Any further than that and WWE pays for it. I think. After that, I think they're still on their own for lodging.

All that being said, I think even the lowest WWE performers make around $100k a year, give or take. It's been awhile since one of those "Here's what everybody makes" lists came out. So while being an "Independent Contractor" isn't ideal, I think they make enough to cover travel and still live comfortably.



CLICK OR DIE
FLEA STILL OWES ME $20.00.
Amos Cochran
Lap cheong








Since: 28.8.09

Since last post: 3375 days
Last activity: 3375 days
#18 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.87
TNA is a big enough company to throw money down black holes like Johnny Fairplay and JWoww, lotjx. And fat contracts for part-timers like Foley, Flair, et cetera. And money for useless wash-ups like EV2.0. There is no excusing here, Devil's Advocate or not.
InVerse
Boudin blanc








Since: 26.8.02

Since last post: 2046 days
Last activity: 2009 days
#19 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.35
    Originally posted by lotjx
    They didn't have health care last time I checked, but they may now thanks to the new health care laws.


Well, they will in 4 years, when that portion of the bill goes into effect.
lotjx
Scrapple








Since: 5.9.08

Since last post: 1681 days
Last activity: 1520 days
#20 Posted on | Instant Rating: 1.65
    Originally posted by Amos Cochran
    TNA is a big enough company to throw money down black holes like Johnny Fairplay and JWoww, lotjx. And fat contracts for part-timers like Foley, Flair, et cetera. And money for useless wash-ups like EV2.0. There is no excusing here, Devil's Advocate or not.


Jwoww was a one time deal, most celebs will get paid higher for a one time thing then most wrestlers make in a year, see Maywether. Hell, WM I was nothing, but celebrities making quick paydays. I don't know how fat Foley or Flair's contract is, but even part time, they are worth it. They have names, fans who follow them and a good track record if anything on the mic. Plus, they two of them did have a damn good match a few weeks ago, so at least they can go most of the time. I have no idea what Ev2.0 is getting paid, I would expect RVD and Tommy to get good contracts since they are full time guys. The rest, who knows, but not much. Raven a few years ago commented, he made more in the Indys then he did with WWE. I think they should pay the KOs a good wage, but its not its the first time a wrestling company has done this nor will it be the last. I doubt LaCool makes as much as Orton or Cena or even Kofi.
Pages: 1 2 Next
Thread rated: 4.88
Pages: 1 2 Next
Thread ahead: WUW - "World of Unpredictable Wrestling"
Next thread: "It's gonna get real!" Oh Lord.
Previous thread: NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood #4 10/22/10
(3612 newer) Next thread | Previous thread
----- DR: I'm working on the Prevent Defense already. It doesn't bode well for me ever sleeping again. DEAN.
Related threads: Katie Lea Burchill signed by TNA - Mickie James signs with TNA - The Hulkster in hospital with a dodgy back - More...
The W - Pro Wrestling - TNA's treatment of talentRegister and log in to post!

The W™ message board

ZimBoard
©2001-2024 Brothers Zim

This old hunk of junk rendered your page in 0.34 seconds.