Christy Hemme: Highest Paid TNA Knockout?

[The Dragon Saga]

Isn't even a wrestler:

The August 2011 issue of the UK based wrestling magazine Power Slam reports that there is a sizable pay discrepancy among the female performers of TNA Wrestling.

The magazine states that Mickie James and Christy Hemme are the highest-paid female talent in the organization: each earn more than $100,000 per year. Meanwhile, the rest of TNA's female wrestlers and personalities (Angelina Love, Brooke Tessmacher, Cookie, Jackie, Madison Rayne, ODB, Rosita, Sarita, SoCal Val, Tara, Traci Brooks, Velvet Sky and Winter) earn far less: $600 per appearance or less.

Karen Jarrett's salary is unknown, but the magazine indicates that she commands an above average appearance fee.

James and Hemme command the highest salaries because both were high-profile performers in WWE and thus are more valuable than the other women due to their name recognition. Though the magazine does not indicate which female talent earns more, it is noted that both make a similar low six-figure amount per year. Hemme, however, solely works televised events whereas James additionally appears on the company's live event tour.

Hemme's reported salary has drawn criticism from fans and colleagues who feel it's exorbitant for a female personality. The Honky Tonk Man claimed last year that her contract renewal with TNA last year was for three years at an annual rate of $175,000. He also said that Eric Bischoff, a huge supporter of the former WWE Diva and Playboy cover girl, helped Hemme obtain the high-end deal. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer would not confirm the veracity of the former WWE star's claim, however, he did say that the deal made her the highest paid female performer in the company.

Reports of Hemme's salary last year reportedly upset some of her female co-workers.

At the maximum second-tier rate, a TNA Knockout who appeared on every single television and pay-per-view event over the course of a calender year, 64 in all, would garner $38,400 at most. TNA solely covers airfare, leaving talent to cover all other expenses including lodging, wardrobe and medical. There is also no downside guarantee, thus meaning talent only get paid when they are used. And while the company holds numerous non-televised events, each tour features a rotation of two to five female performers.

Velvet Sky, who is arguably the organization's top homegrown female star, is believed to be earning the maximum rate of the second-tier salary cap. Her contract renewal with TNA last year reportedly called for her salary to be bumped from $300 per appearance to $600. However, she is an exception to the rule on salary hikes for female talent. Gail Kim, Awesome Kong and Shelly Martinez (a/k/a Salinas) have all publicly stated that they left TNA because organization officials denied their requests for a pay raise.

Based off her name alone, Christy Hemme is pretty much guarenteed from this report to be the highest paid, definitely just below the highest if not, Knockout in the entire company. Hemme only works televised and Pay-Per-View appearences and gets paid over $100,000. Most other Knockouts work on tours and regular television and Pay-Per-View appearences and are being paid $600 per appearence.

Complete and utter bullshit. I agree with the masses, I'd bang Christy Hemme within an inch of her life if the chance were bestowed upon me, but now, I'd bang her even if she didn't want me to if she's earning THAT, for conducting the odd interview and performing what can only be described as the worst ring announcing in the industry! She is to ring announcing as Booker T is to commentary.

I personally think its bullshit, that money could be out towards a lot more meaningful projects, instead its injected into Hemme's bank account when she can barely announce the names of the competitors when they make their entrances and has regularly fucked up, as I point out in every TNA LD.

What do you think and all that shazz? Does Hemme do anything to gain this money or is this poor business by TNA Officials, or according to the report and the Honky Tonk Man(I wouldn't take what he says to heart tbh) Eric Bischoff for getting the ring announcer the highest paying contract in the promotion?

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

Complete and utter bullshit. I agree with the masses, I'd bang Christy Hemme within an inch of her life if the chance were bestowed upon me, but now, I'd bang her even if she didn't want me to if she's earning THAT, for conducting the odd interview and performing what can only be described as the worst ring announcing in the industry! She is to ring announcing as Booker T is to commentary.

Bit of an FSWWE type comment there Dragon, watch yourself!

Onto the topic, that is pretty incredible to be honest. I understand the high cost for James but Hemme's agent must be one smooth operator to get her that fee! If it is true that Bischoff was a party to helping Hemme get such a high-paying contract over in-ring performing females then that doesn't seem like such a wise move.

It does seem a bit detrimental that a knockout like Velvet Sky who has been working hard for the company longer than Hemme would have to settle for the 2nd tier payments. I know tenure isn't the be-all-and-end-all in wrestling but I'd expect TNA to reward the performers who have stuck with them in some way.

I seem to remember there were a few articles about Daffney's time in TNA/IW not that long ago where she was suing them for compensation for an injury or something? Anyone know how that was resolved?

How does The Honky Tonk Man know all this though, that's something I was a bit confused about.

 

[Kenny Powers]

If the report is true, I don't think Hemme or even Mickie James are worth that much. James being paid six figures is a bit of a stretch, but to have Hemme being paid more then James and the rest of the Knockouts is startling. Christy Hemme doesn't even have much of a big name value as she did five years ago. Even then she was only famous for doing Playboy in WWE, and not much else.

Why does TNA even need Hemme at this point? Can't they have Jeremy Borash do the majority of her work considering that he already does most of it anyway. JB can actually announce, commentate, and do backstage interviews. TNA should cut their losses with Hemme and save their money for better talent. I could understand paying a talent that much money if they brought something to the table. What does Christy Hemme bring to the table now if ever?

I just don't understand why she is considered so special compared to the other Knockouts in the locker room.

 

[shattered dreams]

I've heard this report about Hemme making a lot before and I always wondered when exactly she signed this deal assuming these reports have any accuracy. People forget that TNA was about to push her as the top KO before she got hurt. If that was a Bischoff idea when him and Hogan had not debuted yet but were still associated with the company this whole thing makes a lot more sense than people would admit. Just bad luck.

Then again maybe the Hemme deal is just hush money related to the mysterious sexual harassment rumors. Who knows? Also, who really cares?

As far as someone like Velvet goes, $60,000 for working 100 dates a year isn't bad, especially by women in wrestling standards. That doesn't include any merch money or outside appearance/ventures money.

 

[The Dragon Saga]

Bit of an FSWWE type comment there Dragon, watch yourself!

Hey, my English in is knows ways braked Doods!

I seem to remember there were a few articles about Daffney's time in TNA/IW not that long ago where she was suing them for compensation for an injury or something? Anyone know how that was resolved?

Not a clue, took a gander at Wikipedia and it doesn't have any update on the situation. Last I heard they were discussing settling it out of court but that may have been false or those talks could have broken down. I am yet to hear of her working outside of TNA.

How does The Honky Tonk Man know all this though, that's something I was a bit confused about.

He always claims to have "connections", it's like when he posted that article mouthing off about Hulk Hogan and how someone close to Hogan was going to leave him, it turned out that person was Jimmy Hart. But HTM made it out to be something like, huge, Hart isn't that essential to Hogan.

 

[Clem]

Christ almighty, that's outrageous.

TNA should tell her "your name value is limited, your announcing sucks, take the same rate as the other girls or get the f*** out".

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Forget Hemme, it is the lower end salaries which shocked me. How can a KO make a living at $600 an appearance without insurance provided by the employer? Health insurance is expensive for individuals that don't have dangerous careers. I can only imagine what it costs for a wrestler. The other non-travel expenses have to add up as well.

Do the indies and other appearances pay very well. Does anyone know if KO's like Velvet, ODB and Angelina have day jobs? (No need for prostitution comments)

 

[daby]

Christy Hemme is the worst ring announcer EVER!

 

[The Dragon Saga]

No clue GSB. As for independant promotions, I've seen a few shoots where they discuss their pay. Kevin Steen said that Ring of Honor had him signed to a pay-per-appearence deal so he could perform in PWG and they were paying him $500 for any match outside the main event with a small bonus if he was placed in the main event. Colt Cabana charges around $400 per-appearence is one I also know.

Some others I looked up out of curiousity, Tammy Lynn Sytch charges $1,200 per-appearence plus the promoter must pay for her hotel, travel expenses etc, etc. Currently, Harry Smith is listed for $750 per-appearence on Bill Behrems site, while Kenny Dykstra charges $660.

So the TNA Knockouts like Velvet Sky could be making more or just as much as they would in TNA if they dropped off into the independant circuit, but surely they'll get small fees for special appearences e.g. autograph signings, meet and greets, radio shows etc, etc.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Wow, the life of a TNA KO would make an interesting documentary.

I can see how the guys fight and claw for peanuts and live out of their cars but it may make me a sexist but I just don't understand how a woman would want a similar life. Especially when the upside is either becoming the top female draw in TNA (unlikely when they already have Mickie and they are more likely to sign away a former WWE star to be the top) or to actually get a job with WWE (which based on past history is also unlikely).

They must really love the business or really have few options.

 

[hatehabsforever]

If this information is truly accurate, it is incomprehensible to me how the Knockouts would ever be OK with this or would ever stay there, renew contracts, etc., To think that these ladies could perform as they do, whether you are a fan of the division or not, for under 40G a year? While Mickie James can waltz into the division and more than triple their salary. Even worse, Christy Hemme, who no longer even wrestles, could make so much more money than Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, etc. And Karen Jarrett, in a non wrestling capacity, and an annoying one at that, would exceed the salary of Madison Rayne and others by such a wide discrepancy.

I am not a big fan of the Knockouts division, but to think of someone like Velvet Sky getting paid hundreds of dollars per appearance, that's hard to comprehend. I wonder how this compares to the salaries of the various Divas?

 

[shattered dreams]

I wonder how this compares to the salaries of the various Divas?

Most of them do not make much either, especially the ones that are lower on totem pole, especially especially when you consider how many more days they have to work. The industry isn't too kind to women.

 

[hatehabsforever]

Most of them do not make much either, especially the ones that are lower on totem pole, especially especially when you consider how many more days they have to work. The industry isn't too kind to women.

You are probably correct, but any idea how much they make? I would have thought the more prominent divas, such as Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Trish when she was active, etc., would have done pretty well for themselves. Plus if TNA is able to offer six figures to Mickie James, I imagine WWE must have been paying her this much or more during her WWE run.

Would have thought that Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, and company would make quite little, whereas the everyday divas would do pretty well.

 

[Rising Savior]

You are probably correct, but any idea how much they make? I would have thought the more prominent divas, such as Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Trish when she was active, etc., would have done pretty well for themselves. Plus if TNA is able to offer six figures to Mickie James, I imagine WWE must have been paying her this much or more during her WWE run.

Would have thought that Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, and company would make quite little, whereas the everyday divas would do pretty well.

I don't know if it's official but I read online that Trish made over 600000 a year, Lita made a little under 300000 a year, Stacy made 170000, Torrie made close to 250000 one year and melina was making about 150000 a year. That's what I read so who really knows? Melina was asking for 3000 per indy appearance so I would assume she was getting paid pretty well in wwe.

 

[Pedigree1]

Wow utter bullshit is correct!! Damn how in the hell can u make a living off of less than 40 k a year?? Especially the career the knockouts are in this is not right!! I agree mickie james is not worth 100k a year shes worth more IMO!! Hemme on the other hand is not worht six figures no way no how!! Something has to be done about the poor girls who arent earning crap!! Hotel food gym car rentals wardrobe there goes your salary right there!! What do they expect for the girls to sleep in their cars while traveling??? Not right at all..

 

[shattered dreams]

I think the more prominent divas do well enough. I imagine Trish made some decent bank towards the end of her run. I remember reading Maria was making around $60,000 at some point in her career though. Pretty low when you consider the workload WWE asks for.

 

[Rising Savior]

I think the more prominent divas do well enough. I imagine Trish made some decent bank towards the end of her run. I remember reading Maria was making around $60,000 at some point in her career though. Pretty low when you consider the workload WWE asks for.

That was probably when she first started. She had a pretty hot stretch when she was getting a lot of exposure from her playboy photo shoot and the celebrity apprentice.

 

[TUFFY54]

This info got leaked 5 years ago. I believe it was accidently posted on a shareholders site and was put on the internet before being taken down. Keep in mind that many of these performers are now making more. I also don't know if it includes merch and bonuses.
Note: This may be bogus, but I've seen it on many different sites. It also coresponds to what a lot of wrestlers have said in shoots, and amounts wrestlezone has reported in the past.

WWE Payroll_____

October 2004 and February 2006 (or however long they have been with the company). All dollar amounts were rounded up/down (Example: $244,766 would be $245,000)

- Ashley Massaro: $131,000
- Batista: $813,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Big Show: $1,000,000 (Base salary)
- Bob Holly: $217,000
- Booker T: $375,000
- Candice Michelle: $64,000
- Carlito: $319,000
- Chavo Guerrero: $206,000
- Chris Benoit: $488,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Chris Masters: $253,000
- Christian - $396,000
- Danny Basham: $130,000
- Doug Basham: $126,000
- Eddie Guerrero: $372,000
- Edge: $704,000
- Eugene: $189,000
- Funaki: $124,000
- Gene Snitsky: $292,000
- Gregory Helms: $277,000
- John Cena: $1,743,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- John Layfield: $786,000 (Five star hotel accommodations paid for every week)
- Jerry Lawler: $204,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Jillian Hall: $52,000
- Joey Mercury: $134,000
- Johnny Nitro: $143,000
- Jonathan Coachman: $175,000
- Kane: $ 851,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Ken Kennedy: $133,000
- Kid Kash: $62,000
- Kurt Angle: $1,023,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Lance Cade: $118,000
- Lilian Garcia: $90,000
- Lita: $286,000 (Mostly downside paid due to lack of wrestling)
- Maria: $41,000
- Mark Henry: $300,000 (Base pay)
- Matt Hardy: $322,000 (Missed over $70,000 of pay due to firing)
- Matt Striker: $43,000
- Melina: $155,000
- Mickie James: $72,000
- Nunzio: $186,000
- Orlando Jordan: $145,000
- Paul London: $177,000
- Psicosis: $122,000
- Randy Orton: $711,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Rene Dupree: $289,000
- Rey Mysterio: $414,000
- Ric Flair: $508,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Rob Conway: $186,000
- Rob Van Darn: $220,000 (Only received downside and royalties due to injury)
- Rosie: $105,000
- Shawn Michaels: $1,045,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Shelton Benjamin: $366,000
- Simon Dean: $132,000
- Stacy Keibler: $178,000 (Only downside paid during absence)
- Steven Richards: $94,000
- Torrie Wilson: $260,000
- Trevor Murdoch: $48,000
- Triple H: $2,013,000 (Allowed the personal use of company jet (10) times per year. First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Trish Stratus: $618,000 (Receives 20% of all Trish Stratus merchandise sold)
- Tyson Tomko: $127,000
- Undertaker: $1,811,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Val Venis: $210,000
- Victoria: $275,000
- Viscera: $130,000
- William Regal: $225,000

As you can see, almost all the Divas are making a health six figures. It is amazing that TNA Knockouts make about 15% of what their WWE counterparts make. I also remember Chuck Palumbo talking about turning down TNA. He said they offered him 750 dollars a show, compared to the six figures he was making in the WWE. He said he wouldn't have minded wrestling for them, but he would have lost to much money from not being at his moter cycle shop. He said he was suprised how long the amount was.

 

[bigbootydaddyV]

This info got leaked 5 years ago. I believe it was accidently posted on a shareholders site and was put on the internet before being taken down. Keep in mind that many of these performers are now making more. I also don't know if it includes merch and bonuses.
Note: This may be bogus, but I've seen it on many different sites. It also coresponds to what a lot of wrestlers have said in shoots, and amounts wrestlezone has reported in the past.

WWE Payroll_____

October 2004 and February 2006 (or however long they have been with the company). All dollar amounts were rounded up/down (Example: $244,766 would be $245,000)

- Ashley Massaro: $131,000
- Batista: $813,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Big Show: $1,000,000 (Base salary)
- Bob Holly: $217,000
- Booker T: $375,000
- Candice Michelle: $64,000
- Carlito: $319,000
- Chavo Guerrero: $206,000
- Chris Benoit: $488,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Chris Masters: $253,000
- Christian - $396,000
- Danny Basham: $130,000
- Doug Basham: $126,000
- Eddie Guerrero: $372,000
- Edge: $704,000
- Eugene: $189,000
- Funaki: $124,000
- Gene Snitsky: $292,000
- Gregory Helms: $277,000
- John Cena: $1,743,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- John Layfield: $786,000 (Five star hotel accommodations paid for every week)
- Jerry Lawler: $204,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Jillian Hall: $52,000
- Joey Mercury: $134,000
- Johnny Nitro: $143,000
- Jonathan Coachman: $175,000
- Kane: $ 851,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Ken Kennedy: $133,000
- Kid Kash: $62,000
- Kurt Angle: $1,023,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Lance Cade: $118,000
- Lilian Garcia: $90,000
- Lita: $286,000 (Mostly downside paid due to lack of wrestling)
- Maria: $41,000
- Mark Henry: $300,000 (Base pay)
- Matt Hardy: $322,000 (Missed over $70,000 of pay due to firing)
- Matt Striker: $43,000
- Melina: $155,000
- Mickie James: $72,000
- Nunzio: $186,000
- Orlando Jordan: $145,000
- Paul London: $177,000
- Psicosis: $122,000
- Randy Orton: $711,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Rene Dupree: $289,000
- Rey Mysterio: $414,000
- Ric Flair: $508,000 (First class flight tickets paid for every week)
- Rob Conway: $186,000
- Rob Van Darn: $220,000 (Only received downside and royalties due to injury)
- Rosie: $105,000
- Shawn Michaels: $1,045,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Shelton Benjamin: $366,000
- Simon Dean: $132,000
- Stacy Keibler: $178,000 (Only downside paid during absence)
- Steven Richards: $94,000
- Torrie Wilson: $260,000
- Trevor Murdoch: $48,000
- Triple H: $2,013,000 (Allowed the personal use of company jet (10) times per year. First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Trish Stratus: $618,000 (Receives 20% of all Trish Stratus merchandise sold)
- Tyson Tomko: $127,000
- Undertaker: $1,811,000 (First class flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation paid for every week)
- Val Venis: $210,000
- Victoria: $275,000
- Viscera: $130,000
- William Regal: $225,000

As you can see, almost all the Divas are making a health six figures. It is amazing that TNA Knockouts make about 15% of what their WWE counterparts make. I also remember Chuck Palumbo talking about turning down TNA. He said they offered him 750 dollars a show, compared to the six figures he was making in the WWE. He said he wouldn't have minded wrestling for them, but he would have lost to much money from not being at his moter cycle shop. He said he was suprised how long the amount was.

wow, if these are accurate and what Chuck said about TNA is as well, then damn... i'd almost liken it to being a line cook at a top restaurant. You aren't making shit, but you are gaining so much experience it'll help you down the road. The only problem is, we haven't seen that experience help anyone yet. I really can't think of anyone who paid dues in TNA who went on to have success in the WWE. It's a shame because at those prices, it's only a matter of time until we see a lot of good talent go to waste.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Well, since nobody's said it, I guess I'll have to. I believe our dear Miss Hemme is slobbin' somebody's knob or maybe a whole bunch of them. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, a gal's gotta do what she's gotta do in order to get ahead in the world sometimes. I honestly can't think of a single, justifiable reason she should be making that much, if all this is actually true. I mean, as far as ring announcers go, she's not exactly anything special. She's nice to look at but, then again, so was Lilian Garcia and she was much better at doing the same job.

As for Mickie James, I can see if some people think it's still too much. At the same time though, I can at least see it as being understandable in her case. Aside from Trish Stratus, Mickie James is the biggest female star wrestling has produced in the 2000s. She does bring a level of name recognition that no other Knockout remotely brings to the table and, on top of that, she's far more talented overall then the vast majority of the other Knockouts.

 

[ns530]

This is sad news actually. Mickie James was at a local indie event, here in NYC, right after she left WWE a year ago (appx). I wouldn't pay $20 to see her. To be honest, I would, and have, paid the $20 to attend the events Velvet Sky appears on. Talent is talent, and Velvet is home grown. She should be appreciated, and if she's not, then we all know uncle Vince will come calling sooner or later. It ALWAYS happens.

Too bad for TNA, because the Knockout division is the ONLY thing they've got that is better than the WWE.

 

[killer425]

I think biscoff or someone has to be banging Hemme all the time and a lot more then that

 

[Dagger Dias]

I think that is absolutely ridiculus. The champion should be earning the most, then the tag team champions, followed by the rest of the ones who actually wrestle, then managers, THEN interviewers or announcers. Hemme is making more than she deserves because she is part of the group that should be the lowest priority as far as who gets paid the most. I think that is incredibly unfair to the ladies who are actually wrestling. Every single one of them should be making more money than Hemme.

 

[killer425]

I agree and I'm just going to go out and say it Winter is my favorite knockout other then Velvet Sky and I really don't like Mickie James she's good and entertaining though I don't there's something about her that I don't like

and if Winter loses that title at No Surrender I'll lose a lot of interest in the Knockouts division

though with Angelina getting attacked by Sarita and Rosita it should be interesting where that goes though

 

[TheEraofAwesome]

This is just proof why TNA will never learn how their stupidity is really screwing them over. The fact that they believe Hemme is such a big name to pay her more over the other knockouts is just straight up ludicrous. I completely understand Mickie James for 2 reasons - 1. She had just left WWE roughly a year ago, so her name value still means everything. 2. She at least is active in the ring, and within storyline. Hemme grabs a microphone similar to how much "johnson" she grabs in the back, talks in it, messes everything up in names and facial expressions, an yet, that's a reason to pay her such a large sum? FFS I wouldn't make a big stink if she was just managing. At least she would be using her ability to get the person she is managing over. She's not a benefit towards anything right now, so why is she getting paid such a large sum of money - While all those other ladies are only getting paid 600 dollars PER APPEARANCE ON TV??!!