The Ultimate Warrior and Vince McMahon

Posted in: WWE
Controversial Letters Between The Ultimate Warrior and Vince McMahon from 1991 Leak Online
By Marc Middleton
Jan 20, 2014 - 10:33:06 AM

- There has been a story going around for years that The Ultimate Warrior "held up" Vince McMahon and WWE for money going into the SummerSlam 1991 pay-per-view, leading to Warrior being suspended right after. Warrior would remain under contract to WWE until late 1992.

The letter from Warrior demanding money and Vince's reply surfaced online this past week. There had been stories that Warrior actually demanded money the weekend of the pay-per-view but these letters show it was 7 weeks before the pay-per-view. Vince essentially agreed to the new terms but suspended Warrior right after the event. You can view a PDF at this link or read below. Vince's reply and link to his PDF are also below.
Read more at http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe/Controversial_Letters_Between_The_Ultimate_Warrior_and_Vince_McMahon_from_1991_Leak_Online.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#k72svWyMVIvuwJdg.99


Here are some highlights

In reaching this conclusion I ask for these things. You say 500,000 for Wrestlemania is unfair, then I say the last 8 1/2 years of not being compensated equally when I meant as much or more to the company was total bull**** and most definitely unfair. I have sacrificed more than 500,000 more than 1 million dollars, even more in monies that should have been paid to mein receiving equal compensation as Hulk.

I ask for these things Vince and the answers must come for the next event is upon you. It has been for me the 5 years and for you to tell me you need to evaluate whether or not I'm cost-effective and this takes time us unfair. A show runs at a given time and date - I have always been there, never asking for time to see if I have the rest, food or whatever it takes to make it. Now I ask the same of you.

I want (1) $550,000 release from the monies allotted me to purchase my home. This will suffice as my Wrestlemania VII payoff, but let it be noted it is not fair. I meant as much or more to that show as Hulk - I deserve to be paid the same (I know what Hulk will get)

(2) 4 days off every other time off period - except Pay Per View only.

(3) I want the same pay cut as Hulk gets on all Pay-Per-Views, SNME, FRIDAY PRIMETIME, house shows and proof as such. The same pay cut applies to what Hulk has been paid with relationship to past events Wrestlemania V, VI, VII i.e when Hulk was top draw.

(4) I want numbers and proof of monies done on 1-900-Hulk and likewise same pay cut.

(5) Same pay cut on all forms of merchandising.

Dear Jim:

This letter is in response to your facsimile to me of July 10, 1991.

1. You will be paid an aggregate amount of $550,000 (five-hundred-fifty-thousand) for your participation in WrestleMania VII.

2. With the exception of special events only, you will receive four days off every other time off period.

3. Your pay rate on house shows will increase to 4-5% of the net, effective immediately, with the understanding that no other WWF athlete will be paid at a higher rate. Likewise, no other WWF athlete will be paid at a higher pay rate than you on pay-per-view events.

4. Effective immediately, your royalty rate on all forms of merchandise is to be increased. The specific amount will be determined in writing within one week.

5. Your compensation for the Warrior 900 hotline will be identical to that of the Hulk 900 hotline. Likewise, documentation for this will follow in writing within one week.

I regret the turmoil you've put yourself though and your agonizing over what you feel is fair compensation. And even though we have a difference of opinion over some of these matters, I am resolved to work with you in the same honest and equitable way that I always have. Furthermore, I would like to express to you my deepest appreciation and admiration for you as a performer, as a member of the WWF family, as a man and as my friend.

- Vince
Read more at http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/wwe/Controversial_Letters_Between_The_Ultimate_Warrior_and_Vince_McMahon_from_1991_Leak_Online.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#k72svWyMVIvuwJdg.99