TNA has been a great competitor to the WWE during their initial years. It showcased new talents and a pinch of legends, making their product instantly recognizable. During this time, wrestlers like Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and many younger talents got the platform to showcase their skills on TNA. One such wrestler who carved out of the shadows during this time was Chris Harris. Alongside James Storm, Harris ruled the tag division of TNA during their initial years.
After having a decent career in Dixie Carter’s promotion, Harris paved his way to Vince McMahon‘s WWE in 2008. However, his stint at the Stamford-based promotion wasn’t very long and ended in less than a year. Being a performer for both companies in a short amount of time, Harris has worked under elite management throughout his professional career.
During a recent interview, Harris revealed the pay structure of both companies. Harris disclosed that throughout his tenure, TNA and WWE paid around the same. Although he was drawn to WWE because of its potential and opportunities, the pay was not that much different than what he was getting in TNA. “The interesting part is that it was actually equal. I was making very good money with TNA, and I was happy with that.”, stated Harris.
He further continued by saying “What WWE was offering me was about the same. To go to WWE, they always talk about potential and opportunity.” He also believed in a clause that increases superstar’s pay each year on the basis of their performance. “Just give me the opportunity, and I’ll take it and maybe increase my pay each year.“, said Chris.
#WWE interested hiring #TNA's America' Most Wanted while in TNA? Chris Harris explains "feelers" were involved.
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Although the salaries might have been comparable in the past, Harris conceded that the industry environment has probably evolved during his tenure. Large promotions like WWE these days typically pay a lot more than smaller ones like Impact Wrestling.
Current minimum yearly salaries of WWE Superstars
Not much is discussed about the earnings of WWE performers, despite other sports having their athletes’ salaries available to the public. The minimal annual compensation for Superstars on the main roster, however, is revealed by a recent report.
A main-roster wrestler in the Triple H-led promotion makes at least $350,000 annually, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer. This amount probably corresponds to the beginning pay for recent NXT graduates as well as new hires or call-ups. It’s crucial to remember that top performers who earn several million dollars annually are not covered by this base pay.
The current main roster minimum salary in WWE is $350,000 per year.
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WWE still offers its performers substantial deals, with a base wage for new and lower-card wrestlers of at least $350,000. Superstars will continue to be well-compensated as the company adjusts to new business models and streaming partnerships with guaranteed wages that are bigger than ever.
A look at Chris Harris’s TNA and WWE career
Harris formed a team with his old rival James Storm after their brief rivalry during his initial days in TNA. They were collectively called America’s Most Wanted and were pretty popular among fans. The duo went on to win the NWA Tag Team Championships and had incredible chemistry in the ring. After their superb run as a dominant team in the TNA tag division, the duo separated in 2006 after James Storm betrayed his long time partner.
After having an underwhelming singles run in the company till 2008, Chris was called up by the WWE. However, his run in the WWE was even more underwhelming as he wrestled a couple of matches under the ring name “Braden Walker”. After being released from the Stamford-based promotion in 2008, Harris has been making sporadic appearances in TNA and several other independent wrestling promotions.