Jim Ross: WWE “five-year” contracts include 90-day cut clauses

Former WWE commentator and one-time Head of Talent Relations Jim Ross says many of the post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts were structured around contractual out clauses rather than truly guaranteed five-year deals. On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross explained that most recently released talent likely had 90-day outs—meaning they’re paid for that period and then free to work elsewhere—and warned that if a contract lacks such protections “you’re stupid… and WWE is not stupid.”

JR added that a reported five-year term doesn’t automatically mean five guaranteed years at the same pay unless specifically negotiated; the multi-year deal often provides security but not absolute guarantees. He also reiterated typical no-compete windows: main roster talent usually face a 90-day restriction after release while NXT contracts generally carry a 30-day clause.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/jim-ross-wwe-releases-not-stupid-contracts-talent-out-clauses-cut/.