Two reports indicate WWE and its new parent company TKO have been asking contracted talent to accept pay reductions, with one rumor suggesting cuts could be as high as 50 percent. The outreach is said to affect performers across multiple tiers as the company reviews payroll and operational expenses.

If accurate, the proposed cuts could reshape contract talks and talent retention amid TKO’s restructuring, raising questions about morale and long-term roster depth. WWE has not issued a public confirmation as discussions are reportedly ongoing.

Originally reported by Wrestling Inc.: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/2164432/tko-wwe-talent-pay-cuts-50-percent/.

WWE has confirmed that Bron Breakker vs. Seth Rollins and United States Champion Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn will air live during the first hour of Backlash on ESPN2 this Saturday. The decision continues WWE’s recent approach of simulcasting opening hours of premium events on ESPN2, following the WrestleMania Saturday arrangement.

The build to both matches picked up on Raw and SmackDown: Rollins and Breakker traded attacks on Monday, including a spear by Breakker after a Montez Ford distraction, while Williams granted Zayn a rematch after Zayn destroyed the Gingerbread Man prop — an angle that will continue with a funeral segment on Friday. The full Backlash card also features Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight title, IYO SKY vs. Asuka, The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and a partner (TBD), and John Cena promising “history-making news.” Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-reveals-which-backlash-matches-will-air-live-on-espn-2/.