CM Punk Says WWE’s 2025 Salary Model Is Unrecognizable Compared to His Initial 2006–2014 Run

CM Punk weighed in on WWE’s shift from performance-based pay to a fixed salary model in 2025 after TKO merger.

CM Punk Says WWE’s 2025 Salary Model Is Unrecognizable Compared to His Initial 2006–2014 Run

CM Punk (via WWE)

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The professional wrestling landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. In earlier eras, WWE operated under rigid kayfabe principles, and the business was tightly structured around maintaining storylines and protecting the illusion of the product. But WWE in 2025 is a very different world. 

The company has expanded into the mainstream, working with major partners such as Netflix and ESPN, and the behind-the-scenes culture has evolved along with it. A recent revelation from CM Punk has shed light on just how significantly things have changed, especially when it comes to talent compensation. 

Appearing on Mostly Sports with Mark Titus and Brandon Walker, the reigning world champion explained that the financial model in the company has shifted from performance-based pay to guaranteed salaries. He noted that the modern system is unrecognizable compared to his previous run with the company between 2006 and 2014.

The business has radically changed. It was a different place when I signed than when I debuted and then when I came back. Like, it’s such a radically different place.

CM Punk via Mostly Sports

One of the most notable differences Punk highlighted is the lack of financial connection between holding a championship and earning more money. Before the WWE and UFC merger under TKO in 2023, championship status and headlining marquee matches were directly tied to a wrestler’s paycheck. 

Punk explained that he was financially driven to secure main-event spots because attendance numbers played a major role in determining payout. For years, being the top dog translated to bigger houses and bigger earnings.

The thing with the title too, is also it means you made more money. That does not exist anymore. It’s good and bad. Like, we all make more money now. My paycheck was always predicated on how many people were in the building, so I was driven towards ticket sales and the business of it. And when you’re in the main events, you got paid more money.

CM Punk via Mostly Sports

While overall salaries have increased, Punk believes the shift comes with trade-offs. He contrasted the old competitive environment, where wrestlers wanted the top spot because it directly impacted their income. But with the current system, most performers are paid the same regardless of where they appear on the card.

Under TKO, WWE’s minimum salary for main roster performers is reportedly around $350,000 per year, offering significantly more financial stability than in past eras. However, the new model has also come with its drawbacks. One of the most notable is the decline in royalty payments to veteran talent, a concern Kevin Nash highlighted publicly earlier this year.

Punk’s candid insight highlights how a system built on box-office incentives has evolved into a modern and salary-based approach, one that benefits stability but may impact the hunger and competitive drive that once defined the industry.

CM Punk compares John Cena to all-time hockey legend Wayne Gretzky

CM Punk and John Cena have been linked throughout their WWE careers, largely because of their unforgettable rivalry in the 2010s. With Cena now nearing retirement, Punk recently took time to publicly acknowledge and thank the man he faced multiple times for the industry’s top gold.

John Cena and CM Punk
John Cena and CM Punk (via WWE)

Punk shared his tribute after this past Monday’s episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden went off the air. The show marked Cena’s final appearance on the red brand and saw him team with Sheamus and Rey Mysterio to defeat The Judgment Day in a six-man tag team match.

The closing segment also set the stage for this year’s men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series, featuring Punk, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and The Usos facing Brock Lesnar, Drew McIntyre, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul.

Once the cameras stopped rolling, Punk, Rhodes, and The Usos remained in the ring. Punk addressed the crowd and offered a heartfelt tribute to Cena, a rival who helped define one of WWE’s most iconic eras. He later expanded on that appreciation in an interview with WGN News, comparing sharing the ring with Cena to playing alongside an all-time sports legend.

I’m a small part of his story, and I’m proud to be that small part. And it’s been everything to me. I’m a fan of his, just like people are fans of me. So being around him and being there to experience him just kind of gracefully (bowing out), I feel like I’m skating with (Wayne) Gretzky during his last couple games.

CM Punk via WGN News

For those unfamiliar, Cena recently completed a career grand slam when he defeated Dominik Mysterio in Boston for the Intercontinental title. He is set to defend the title at Survivor Series later this month. Following that, Cena is scheduled to have his final match next month, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated and decorated careers in WWE history.

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