Roman Reigns’ WWE contract and potential budget cuts are under scrutiny after his last appearance on WWE Raw following WrestleMania 41, as questions arise about TKO’s willingness to maintain his premium deal amid sweeping roster cuts. Mounting speculation centers around whether Reigns, despite his standing, could be impacted by TKO Group Holdings’ efforts to tighten budgets after releasing multiple high-profile talents.
Recent Wrestler Releases Spark Worries for Other Top Stars
In recent months, TKO Group Holdings has undertaken significant cost-cutting measures, letting go of several WWE superstars. Notable departures include Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, R-Truth, and Carlito, reportedly driven by the desire to reduce high salaries and streamline expenses. Reports indicate Strowman’s release was closely connected to his sizable contract, demonstrating the company’s willingness to part with established names to improve its bottom line.
Meanwhile, Roman Reigns remains one of WWE’s top earners, yet his presence on television has dwindled. After being attacked by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker on Raw, with Breakker aligning himself with Rollins, Reigns has not returned to programming. This absence, in the context of rising budget consciousness and recent layoffs, has raised red flags about his own job security.
Reigns’ Career Trajectory and Contract Status
Reigns has openly mentioned the prospect of retiring after WrestleMania 42, suggesting the end of his in-ring career may be on the horizon. Data from CageMatch reveals his match frequency has dropped substantially: from 52 bouts in 2022 to just 11 in 2023, 6 in 2024, and only 3 scheduled for 2025. These declining numbers, alongside his substantial compensation, fuel ongoing debate over whether TKO will deem his contract unsustainable.
Industry Insiders Voice Doubts About Reigns’ Future
On a recent episode of The Last Word podcast, former WWE employees Jonathan Coachman and Tommy Carlucci provided insight into the logic behind the recent cuts, indicating that business priorities now dictate personnel decisions. Coachman stated,
“all about the almighty bottom dollar.”
—Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Employee
Continuing his analysis, Coachman questioned the value of maintaining Reigns’ expensive contract, especially given his sporadic appearances: “We know that Roman Reigns just came out and said
“I’m gonna sign another two-year deal and then I’m done.”
And he reportedly makes between 15 and 20 million dollars a year. Does that math make sense to pay a guy who might appear 10 to 20 times in a year and he’s making, I mean, at that number he’s making over a million dollars an appearance. Is it worth all that when all these other superstars are getting dropped?” —Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Employee
In response, Tommy Carlucci weighed in on TKO’s potential strategy regarding Roman Reigns:
“Yeah, he’s not around a lot now. I think the TKO executives are gonna really rethink how they’re gonna handle Roman Reigns. They won’t cut him completely, but I can guarantee you he’s not getting nowhere near 15 to 20 million. And they say, if you don’t like it, lump it. That’s the point, they’re executives. They didn’t grow up in this business like VKM (Vince McMahon) made this business and Triple H made this. But you think Triple H is gonna lay his life on the line for Roman’s contract? I don’t think so. I think he’s running scared, guys.”
—Tommy Carlucci, Former WWE Employee
These remarks highlight the sense of tension and uncertainty enveloping both the roster and WWE’s executive ranks amid major corporate restructuring. Carlucci’s perspective underscores a shift in philosophy, where profit-driven executives may no longer exhibit the same loyalties as industry veterans or company founders like Vince McMahon and Triple H.
Roman Reigns’ Past Achievements and Personal Battles
Roman Reigns has been an instrumental figure in WWE since taking over as the company’s top star following John Cena’s transition to a part-time role in 2017. His reign was interrupted in 2018 when he revealed a longstanding battle with leukemia, which forced him out of action. After treatment and recovery, Reigns returned in 2019, regaining prominence and reaffirming his place as a top-level performer.
Reigns’ prestige and connection with fans, particularly after overcoming personal health adversity, have made him a central figure. However, even his contributions may not shield him in the current environment, where TKO is tasked with balancing financial objectives against star power and legacy.
The Broader Fallout of Budget Cuts Across WWE
The ongoing wave of releases has left WWE fans and talent alike uneasy, with long-tenured and high-profile wrestlers departing or facing uncertain futures. R-Truth’s recent release after 17 years triggered disbelief within the wrestling community, while Carlito and Strowman’s exits further exemplify the new operational approach championed by TKO. The persistent concern is that even cornerstone talents with deep company roots are now vulnerable to cost-saving decisions.
Other parts of the wrestling world feel these aftershocks as well. AEW and NJPW, for example, welcome veterans and stars on the move, as seen in announcements surrounding the Forbidden Door event and news about Chris Jericho’s recent two-month absence from AEW programming. WWE’s own internal shakeups, including abrupt retirements and executive controversies involving Vince McMahon, have added to the uncertainty permeating the industry.
What Lies Ahead for Roman Reigns and WWE’s Future
With Reigns’ match schedule shrinking, his public openness regarding retirement, and questions swirling about the viability of his massive contract, speculation about his WWE future intensifies. The changing tides ushered in by TKO’s management team—unencumbered by traditions established under Vince McMahon and Triple H—could reshape the landscape for top stars, even those with Reigns’ credentials and fan following.
As TKO weighs the costs of maintaining star power against stringent fiscal targets, Roman Reigns’ WWE contract and potential budget cuts will likely remain a flashpoint topic. The outcome—whether a radical renegotiation, phased role reduction, or eventual departure—could serve as a bellwether for how WWE’s biggest names are treated in this new corporate era, with both athletes and audiences watching every development closely.
