Post by Stratusfaction on Feb 11, 2007 17:25:54 GMT -5
source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
In regards to Rob Van Dam's contract status, if he didn't give in his notice by the end of last week, his contract would have automatically rolled over. This doesn't mean he's leaving, but it gives him the option to leave in the summer, and they'd have to renegotiate a new deal to keep him. Van Dam's downside guarantee is about $250,000. He probably actually makes about $500,000 if you include merchandise, pay-per-view payoffs and such. Although, he worked all those low drawing ECW house shows, and thus he got a lot of $500 to $750 payoffs while on top, so that may be a high estimate. The ECW guys are now working the higher grossing SmackDown shows, so his payoffs should be back up to speed again anyways.
Also, RVD has a standing offer to go to All Japan. Although, it doesn't seem to mean nearly as much as when he was a regular there earlier in his career because they run very few dates. But between All Japan, TNA, U.S. and Europeam indies, he should still be able to make a lot with far more time off, not to mention control of his schedule. That's why there is a good possibility that he could be leaving WWE in the summer. He'll probably be able to get about $2,500 or more per date on the indie scene, along with hotel & airfare expenses paid, at least at first. But once six months to a year have passed, it may be harder for him to get as many bookings at that rate.
There is talk within WWE of trying to get its "last word" in. Figuring he's leaving, Johnny Ace may make an offer that he'll probably turn down so that he can get the last word in, not to mention as a receipt for him embarrassing at a recent company meeting (RVD made a smart alec remarks towards Ace). People within WWE say that RVD has been telling people that he plans on leaving, but other people think he'll make his decision based on WWE's money offer.
In regards to Rob Van Dam's contract status, if he didn't give in his notice by the end of last week, his contract would have automatically rolled over. This doesn't mean he's leaving, but it gives him the option to leave in the summer, and they'd have to renegotiate a new deal to keep him. Van Dam's downside guarantee is about $250,000. He probably actually makes about $500,000 if you include merchandise, pay-per-view payoffs and such. Although, he worked all those low drawing ECW house shows, and thus he got a lot of $500 to $750 payoffs while on top, so that may be a high estimate. The ECW guys are now working the higher grossing SmackDown shows, so his payoffs should be back up to speed again anyways.
Also, RVD has a standing offer to go to All Japan. Although, it doesn't seem to mean nearly as much as when he was a regular there earlier in his career because they run very few dates. But between All Japan, TNA, U.S. and Europeam indies, he should still be able to make a lot with far more time off, not to mention control of his schedule. That's why there is a good possibility that he could be leaving WWE in the summer. He'll probably be able to get about $2,500 or more per date on the indie scene, along with hotel & airfare expenses paid, at least at first. But once six months to a year have passed, it may be harder for him to get as many bookings at that rate.
There is talk within WWE of trying to get its "last word" in. Figuring he's leaving, Johnny Ace may make an offer that he'll probably turn down so that he can get the last word in, not to mention as a receipt for him embarrassing at a recent company meeting (RVD made a smart alec remarks towards Ace). People within WWE say that RVD has been telling people that he plans on leaving, but other people think he'll make his decision based on WWE's money offer.