Ex-WWE Wrestler Discusses Low NXT Pay Levels

Former WWE wrestler Priscilla Kelly, known in the ring as Gigi Dolin, has ignited debate within the wrestling community after publicly discussing the financial realities of NXT contracts during a recent interview. Kelly, who was released from the company in May, claimed that some NXT performers earn as little as $30,000 annually, challenging the widespread assumption that WWE talent live lavish lifestyles. The remarks, made to interviewer Denise Salcedo, have drawn criticism from WWE officials and prompted clarifications from industry observers.

In the interview, Kelly addressed what she described as a common misconception among fans. "A lot of our fans, for some reason, think that if you work in WWE and you're under that umbrella, you're a millionaire. You live in a mansion, you're driving a Benz, you've got it made," she said. "That's not the case. In NXT, there are contracts as low as $30,000 a year, and they do not go as high as you think." Kelly emphasized that her goal was to highlight the variability in pay and the challenges of covering living and travel expenses, especially for those starting out. She noted her own early career experiences, where she was grateful for...