Jinder Mahal posted an Instagram video breaking down how WWE contracts work, specifically explaining the downside guarantee and the “bucket system” used to calculate wrestler pay.
Mahal explained that wrestlers earn a base downside guarantee but can supplement it through main event bonuses, TV bonuses, and merchandise checks. Those additional earnings go into a “bucket” tracked against the guarantee — if the bucket ends positive at year’s end, the wrestler receives the overage. If negative, they owe nothing.
“90% of wrestlers end up with a negative bucket,” Mahal said, meaning most wrestlers finish the year at or below their downside guarantee without additional payouts.