wrestling

More Details on TNA’s Current Financial Issues With Delayed Wrestler Pay

March 26, 2012 | Posted by Larry Csonka

– According to PWtorch, here is the latest on the reports that TNA I s experiencing financial difficulties…

* The reports of payments to wrestlers are nothing new. TNA sources have stated that the issue of payments being delayed has occurred over the past few years, but the word is that it has become more prevalent since Bruce Prichard was hired to an executive role overseeing Talent Relations.

* Last year Jimmy Yang made the issue public (via Twitter) after not being paid for his appearance for several weeks following a one shot return. Regular TNA performers are supposed to be paid within a two-week period after performing on television, but there seems to be an issue now related to house show pay.

* The way house show payouts work are that the house show pay system begins with a list of pay-outs submitted to Prichard’s office. Prichard then approves the accuracy of the list, which is sent to the corporate office (Panda Energy) in Texas to cut checks to the wrestlers. Sources say that the process has slowed down dramatically in recent months, and that with TNA running more house show events, some wrestlers will go 2-3 weekend tours before being paid for the first tour.

* Not all performers are effected, as many have said that they are paid on time or have not discussed an issue with pay. But more talent are voicing their concerns about delayed payments since the issue has started to affect more people.

* Lower-card wrestlers and Knockouts are most affected since payouts go from top-to-bottom. The top card and upper mid-card talent are taken care of first, and then the low card and knockouts. It is said that generally the top tier stars are paid on time.

* One source has estimated that the sum of money paid to Sting per appearance is roughly equal to what it would take to cover 75-90 percent of the roster at the end of the pay scale. But Sting is viewed as a priority, and after Sting is paid, TNA still has the remaining portion of the roster to pay, which can cause delays.

* While it may seem to some that TNA is having a lot of financial difficulties, the ral issue seems to be Prichard’s office appearing to be slow moving the payouts through the TNA/Panda pipeline. This adds to a poor reputation that Prichard has among many wrestlers in the locker room. Ex-WWE wrestlers were sold on TNA being the opposite type of company with a lighter schedule, no politics, more character input, and a family-like atmosphere. But Prichard is viewed as bringing WWE style management to TNA complete with creating an environment where wrestlers feel they have to “walk on eggshells” and play political games, which is what ex-WWE performers came to TNA to escape.

* Overall it is said by sources that they do not believe TNA is experiencing dramatic financial difficulty, as Spike TV continues to pay TNA to air Impact Wrestling and the recent partnership with Direct Auto Insurance has proven to be a lucrative deal. Merchandise at TNA house show events proven to be a steady and consistent moneymaker. But with more wrestlers having their pay delayed, it is causing concern that TNA’s corporate office is taking a closer look at the numbers.

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Larry Csonka