Roman Reigns, a dominant figure in WWE, became the focus of public debate following a rumor about his $15 million salary being slashed by TKO Group Holdings. The Roman Reigns $15 million WWE salary rumor update drew strong reactions from within the wrestling community, especially from Reigns’ cousin and wrestling legend, Rikishi, who was vocal in denouncing any reports of a pay cut.
How Rumors About Reigns’ Contract Sparked Controversy
The issue began when speculation surfaced that Roman Reigns, often referred to as the “Tribal Chief,” might face a salary reduction. This talk gained momentum after former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman mentioned on his podcast that TKO Group Holdings could renegotiate Reigns’ lucrative contract.
During a discussion with Lucha Libre Online, wrestling commentator Hugo Savinovich cited Coachman’s comments, specifically noting claims that Reigns would not continue
making $15 million per year anymore.
—Hugo Savinovich, Commentator
Savinovich outlined the financial structure supporting Reigns’ high earnings, revealing that the wrestler receives a $5 million base salary, while the remaining sum comes from additional sources like pay-per-view appearances, video game endorsements, promotional deals, merchandise royalties, bonuses for special events, and a share of ticket sales. Combined, these streams reportedly contribute to his $15 million compensation package.
Further fueling the speculation, Savinovich explained that TKO is currently pursuing cost-cutting measures throughout the organization. With Reigns not being a full-time presence lately, some surmised that his high salary might be under review, arguing it made less sense for the company to keep him at the top tier of earners in these circumstances.
Wrestling Insider Sets the Record Straight
The credibility of the salary-cut claim was directly addressed by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, led by respected journalist Dave Meltzer. According to Meltzer’s reporting, the rumors about TKO pressing for a contract renegotiation with Reigns are not accurate. He stated:
The stories from Jonathan Coachman about TKO asking Reigns for a pay cut or contract restructuring are false.
—Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Insider
Meltzer reaffirmed that Roman Reigns remains among WWE’s top earners, second only to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and there is no current effort to reduce his contract value or diminish his position within the company.
Rikishi’s Fierce Defense Amid Pay Cut Rumors
Shortly after the rumor began to circulate, Rikishi—a former WWE superstar, pro wrestling veteran, and member of the well-known Anoaʻi family—shared his outrage over the suggestion that Reigns’ pay might be cut. Rikishi, who is Roman Reigns’ cousin, openly challenged TKO’s alleged intentions on his podcast, expressing deep frustration over the possibility of a pay decrease for a figure he considers central to the WWE brand.
Clips of Rikishi’s response quickly gained traction on social media. He emphasized the value Reigns brings to WWE, especially during its flagship events, declaring:
Roman the guy who main-evented WrestleMania. Y’all do the math every Mania, what TKO earns, & guess whose face is leading it? Roman Reigns. I won’t sit back & let them erase the history of our family.
—Rikishi, Wrestling Legend
Rikishi continued by highlighting Reigns’ consistent role in main-eventing WrestleMania—six times to date—and how strongly his image is tied to the financial and cultural success of those events. He called on the audience to evaluate the immense revenue driven by WrestleMania each year and to recognize that it is Roman’s name and face at the forefront.
Expanding on the influence of his family in the wrestling world, Rikishi referenced the prominence of other Bloodline members, such as Jey Uso and Trinity Fatu, alluding to the deep legacy the Anoaʻi family holds within WWE. His message conveyed a refusal to tolerate any diminishing of their collective contributions:
That’s a lot of money…and guess whose face is on that? Leading that? I didn’t make this up, y’all did. Y’all put it out there. I’ve seen the same flier y’all seen. Roman Reigns, Bloodline member.
—Rikishi, Wrestling Legend
He directly addressed the perception that TKO might disregard the historical significance and ongoing impact of his family, cautioning against any attempt to undervalue what they have added to the industry.
What Lies Ahead for Roman Reigns and WWE
With trusted sources like Dave Meltzer clarifying the situation, it is now clear that Roman Reigns will continue to earn his multi-million-dollar salary and maintain his stature within WWE. The backlash from Rikishi and widespread discussion among fans have not only debunked the pay cut rumors but have also emphasized the ongoing importance of the Anoaʻi family’s role in pro wrestling.
Moving forward, the episode may drive WWE to manage future speculation with greater transparency, as both emotional responses and public scrutiny are quick to spread within the wrestling community. For now, Reigns remains a pillar of WWE, his contract untouched, and his legacy further cemented by the latest wave of public support and family pride.
