The Unwelcome Mat
Upon signing with WWE in 1996, Marc Mero not only entered the world of wrestling but also revolutionized the typical contracts in the industry. The ex-WWE Superstar recently discussed the criticism he faced from other wrestlers when they found out he was under a contract that guaranteed him a set payment regardless of how well he performed in matches.
“I was the first one on a guaranteed contract with WWE,” Mero recalled in an interview with Wrestling Shoot Interviews. “So what really hurt me was when I’m off for eight months with my ACL surgery, I’m getting paid this big money every week and I got a huge signing bonus… it just ruffled a lot of feathers when I came to WWE.”
The Price of Success
Mero’s agreement was a game-changer, offering a guaranteed yearly pay of $350,000 along with a signing bonus. The agreement was innovative, opening doors for other wrestlers to obtain comparable deals. Mero exposed that his agreement involved a yearly growth of $50,000, making it even more profitable.
“It was incredible, it broke the glass ceiling so to speak,” Mero said. “Brian Pillman was the next one, and because we got it, everyone else started getting them.”
Ring Wars
Despite his success, Mero faced numerous challenges in the ring. He struggled to work with his fellow superstars, who often refused to cooperate with him.
Marc Mero Reveals Backstage Heat Over Guaranteed Contract in 1996 WWE https://t.co/sPNV6uEFLh
— Turnbuckle News (@TurnbuckleNews1) June 4, 2024
“We weren’t very well liked, and I could see how it would translate into the ring too where guys didn’t want to do a lot of stuff that I wanted to do,” Mero admitted. “Or did not perform, and there were some people who would even make a mockery of working with me… who would do things that were really hurtful in the ring that made me look really bad.”
The Highs and Lows
Mero’s final match with WWE took place in December 1998 at the UK-only WWE Capital Carnage PPV. His contract expired in 1999, marking the end of his largely uneventful run in WWE. Despite the challenges he faced, Mero remains proud of his accomplishments in the industry.
What Other Struggles Did Marc Mero Face In His WWE Career?
In addition to the backlash he received from his fellow wrestlers, Mero has also spoken about the struggles he faced in developing his original ‘Wildman’ persona and transforming into his ‘Marvelous’ Marc Mero character.
A Legacy Born
The WWE contract of Mero stirred up a contentious discussion among fans and industry experts, with numerous people voicing criticism over the company’s handling of its wrestlers. Questions were raised regarding the exploitation of talent due to the restrictive clauses in the contract, such as the one allowing the company to maintain ownership of the wrestler’s intellectual property.
Mero’s contract controversy sparked the creation of wrestling unions and organizations, which push for improved working conditions, fair pay, and wrestler respect. Therefore, Mero’s narrative has had a long-lasting influence on the wrestling industry, underscoring the significance of putting the well-being and interests of professional wrestlers first.
Looking back on his career, Mero can be proud of the lasting impact his contributions have had on the wrestling industry.
