A revealing comment from Nick Khan during a recent Senate hearing has pulled back the curtain on how WWE continues to support its former stars — long after their in-ring careers are over.
Speaking in a discussion about combat sports business models (via Forbes Breaking News), Khan pointed to a system that quietly keeps many retired wrestlers on the payroll — a model that might make other sports tap out when it comes to long-term earnings.
WWE Legend deals explained by Nick Khan: How retired stars keep getting paid?
Khan confirmed that WWE currently maintains over 100 “legend” contracts with retired talent.
These agreements ensure that former stars continue to receive compensation years after stepping away from active competition. This proves that in WWE, the final bell doesn’t always mean the final payday.
“WWE, for example, has over a 100 deals with what we call our legends — our retired wrestlers,” Khan stated during the hearing.
He explained that these deals are tied directly to WWE’s extensive licensing and merchandising ecosystem. Legends earn through appearances in video games, trading cards, action figures, and other merchandise. This emerges as a steady stream of revenue that keeps their legacy working overtime, even when they’re not.
“So they receive compensation from us for years after their retirement… because of their participation in our video games, trading card deals, merchandise deals, and action figures,” Khan added.
To stress the contrast, Khan compared WWE’s system to boxing. He noted that even global names like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao haven’t benefited from similar merchandising opportunities. “You could not buy an action figure of them… it doesn’t exist because of this broken system,” he said.
The revelation highlights just how large WWE’s legend program has become. This is a key part of a business model where past stars don’t fade away but remain part of the company’s ongoing story. In WWE, it seems legends don’t just rest in peace — they keep cashing in.
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