JBL defends WWE's use of long-term developmental contracts

WWE Hall of Famer JBL has defended the company’s practice of utilizing long-term developmental contracts for talent training at the WWE Performance Center. Speaking on the ‘Something to Wrestle’ podcast, JBL argued that the company takes significant financial risks by paying for the training of large classes of recruits, many of whom never reach the main roster.

JBL stated that because a large portion of the investment is lost when prospects do not succeed, it is a logical business practice for WWE to ‘lock them in’ via long-term contracts to ensure the company recovers its developmental costs once a talent becomes profitable. He noted that while some trainees may feel underpaid, the company is essentially investing in them, and he contrasted current developmental wages with his own early career, when he earned approximately $220 to $250 per week.