Examining the List of Wrestlers that WCW May Ax to Save Money

Rumors are running rampant in Atlanta that WCW will continue to take cost cutting measures to balance their books. On his Friday WCW hotline report, Mark Madden hinted that twenty wrestlers were to be released. The largest names circulating as possible cuts include Bill Goldberg, Buff Bagwell, Diamond Dallas Page, Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, and Scott Hall.

World Championship Wrestling’s parent company, Time Warner, is expected to merge with America Online this November. Time Warner may opt to accept enormous financial hits in this fiscal year to pull WCW, a former money making machine, out of the red prior to the merger. These hits could come in the way of buying wrestlers out of their existing contracts.

In recent weeks, WCW has trimmed the roster of seldom-used wrestlers, most making between $150,000 to $200,000 per year. The most notable veteran to receive the ax thus far has been Roddy Piper. As a result of his early termination, the “Rowdy” one is expected to file a lawsuit against the company for firing him without just cause.

With the company losing upwards of $7 million per month, WCW will need to eliminate heftier salaries to reduce the company’s growing budget deficit. The largest single financial burden when used in storylines is Hulk Hogan, 47. He receives $25,000 per television appearance, plus an exorbitant $675,000 bonus for each pay-per-view he appears on.

The WWF is salivating at the prospects of WCW cutting loose Bill Goldberg. The former WCW champion is only 33, and pushed properly, could be a huge money marker again. Goldberg would be a welcomed member to the Federation’s upper echelon mix. WCW wouldn’t mind dumping his multi million dollar salary, and his ballooning ego to boot, although, his release is highly unlikely.

Buff Bagwell, 30, signed a new contract with WCW back in March. With his contract set to expire, WWF showed little interest in signing him. Two months later, Bagwell was involved in a backstage incident where he allegedly struck a company stagehand. Bagwell has a Friday court date on battery charges.

Lex Luger, 42, and his real life girlfriend Elizabeth, 38, were both sent home a few months back for disagreements with the head of the WCW creative team, Vince Russo. Luger recently returned for a house show, however, the company has no plans to use him.

Diamond Dallas Page, 44, has less than eighteen months on his contract. Page was scheduled to return to WCW a few weeks back, yet the plans were abruptly changed.

Page’s wife Kimberly basically quit the company earlier this year following yet another backstage episode in which Scott Steiner allegedly made some derogatory comments about the former Nitro Girl. When Steiner refused to apologize or rescind his statements, Kimberly left in frustration. Page and Kimberly did have a meeting with TNT President Brad Siegel last week. At press time, their future with the company is unknown.

Scott Hall, 40, was recently spotted at the funeral service for Gordon Solie. When asked about his current situation, Hall relieved his was content at home collecting paychecks. Hall has not competed in a WCW ring since Superbrawl back in February.

By weeks end it was learned that Brad Siegel intended to attend Sunday’s pay-per-view New Blood Rising in Vancouver. At press time, no announcements have been made regarding possible releases; although, it is believed Siegel addressed the talent prior to the show.

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