Ryback states that prior to THQ going bankrupt, “video game pay” was anywhere from “60, 80, 90 grand” in a year. After THQ bankruptcy, wrestlers were making “10, 11 grand.” Once 2K took over the series with WWE 2K14, the amount of cash going to wrestlers for their in-game likenesses apparently plummetted.
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It’s important to add some context to the conversation. Ryback is talking with wrestler David Starr about the recent firings and furloughs at WWE. The two are discussing the ways in which the WWE has taken advantage of its contract wrestlers. Ryback is implying that the drop in pay for video games likely has as much to do with WWE’s willingness to get its wrestlers paid as it does THQ’s bankruptcy.
David Starr, a proponent of wrestler unionization, follows Ryback’s comments by saying that a friend of theirs from one of WWE’s smaller wrestling shows received an offer of $2,800 for their appearance in the game and nothing more. Starr also insinuated that this wrestler was pressured by WWE when they considered not taking the money.
Apparently 2K’s wrestling video games lead to frustrating circumstances for both players and WWE superstars.
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