Behind the Screen: The High-Stakes Business of Wrestling TV Shows
When you tune in to watch a wrestling match on your TV, you might think it’s all about flying elbows, piledrivers, and dramatic storylines. However, CJ Perry, who’s had a stint in WWE and is now making waves in AEW, recently revealed the financial mechanics that underscore the entire operation.
“If it’s Tony Khan or if it’s Vince, at the end of the day, they’re the directors and the producers and the CEOs of this story. It’s at least $100,000 per minute that they’re on television,” Perry mentioned in an interview with Fightful.
Yes, you read that right. WWE allegedly pockets a staggering $100,000 per televised minute. So what does this high price tag mean for the stars of the ring? Let’s dive deeper.
Are You Worth $100,000 A Minute? CJ Perry’s Big Question
During her interview, Perry mentioned an eye-opening tidbit that WWE makes $100,000 for each minute its wrestlers are on TV. This was allegedly shared with her by TJ Wilson and Natalya.
“Are you worth that $100,000 a minute?”
This provocative question holds a mirror up to the talent, as they are constantly being evaluated based on whether they can bring in the revenue to justify their screen time.
“This is a business at the end of the day. So Vince thought that was good business. It would be naive of any of us to think he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Perry explained.
Perry further acknowledged the business acumen of WWE honcho Vince McMahon, stating that his years of experience shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, the wrestling business isn’t just about high-flying moves and charisma; it’s a strategic game of checks and balances.
Scandal Sells: Perry’s Insider Scoop
Besides discussing the high financial stakes, Perry also touched upon what kinds of storylines tend to be profitable.
“What the Bobby Lashley story taught me is scandal sells. So it doesn’t matter, it still sells. People might hate it, we still made WWE a lot of money. Like our YouTube videos made them a lot of money,” she stated.
It’s not just about the wrestling moves; it’s also about the juicy narratives and real-life drama that attract viewers. Whether it’s a love triangle or a villainous betrayal, these stories often translate into sales, subscriptions, and viewer engagement.
What’s Next for CJ Perry and Miro in AEW?
CJ Perry and her husband Miro are just starting to make a splash in AEW. Given that Tony Khan, AEW’s CEO, is also keen on ROI (Return on Investment), he has a treasure trove of story possibilities for the duo.
“Tony Khan has a lot of options for Miro and CJ Perry. Hopefully, he will get his money’s worth and Warner Bros Discovery is happy with the product he is able to deliver,”
So, as Perry and Miro’s stories unfold in AEW, keep in mind that the battles you see in the ring are just the tip of the iceberg.
What’s your take on how much WWE and AEW make for their television shows? Sound off in the comments below!
With insights like these from someone who has been on both sides of the wrestling curtain, you may never watch a WWE or AEW match the same way again. So the next time you see a wrestler making an entrance, just remember: those few minutes of screen time are worth more than you might think.
