Does Wwe Pay For Travel? Discover the ins and outs of WWE wrestler travel, including costs, accommodations, and the impact on their lives. TRAVELS.EDU.VN explores the realities of a WWE Superstar’s life, offering insights into their demanding travel schedule, financial responsibilities, and the evolution of travel conditions under new leadership.
1. The Unrelenting Travel Schedule of WWE Superstars
The life of a WWE Superstar often appears glamorous from the outside, but the reality is far more demanding. Unlike traditional sports with off-seasons, WWE operates year-round, pushing its performers to their physical and mental limits. The relentless travel schedule is a significant part of this demanding lifestyle.
1.1. The Grind After the Show
For most viewers, a WWE Raw event concludes when the television is switched off. However, for WWE Superstars, this marks the beginning of another phase of their day. Following a show, they typically drive rental cars to the next destination, often arriving at their hotels in the early hours of the morning. This grueling routine takes a toll, leading many former employees to seek alternative careers.
1.2. Romantic Partners On The Road
Traveling with a significant other can either be a dream or a nightmare. In today’s WWE, old attitudes about keeping personal and professional lives separate have largely faded. Many prominent talents are romantically involved, like Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch or Montez Ford and Bianca Belair.
Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch WWE Power Couple
Some couples enjoy traveling together, sharing the experiences and easing the loneliness of the road. WWE has even showcased the lives of couples like Jimmy Uso and Naomi, and Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella, on reality series such as Total Divas and Total Bellas.
1.3. The Need for Personal Space
However, not all wrestlers prefer traveling with their partners. Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, preferred separate hotel rooms from his wife, Chelsea Green, even when they worked for the same promotions. Cardona valued his routines and personal space, believing it was better for both him and the relationship. This highlights the diverse preferences among WWE Superstars regarding travel and personal boundaries.
2. Creative Collaboration on the Road
The constant travel can lead to unexpected creative collaborations among wrestlers. Spending more time with colleagues than their own families, these talents often immerse themselves in wrestling discussions, leading to innovative ideas.
2.1. Booking the Territory
Members of The Kliq, including Kevin Nash, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, famously “booked the territory” during long car rides. These brainstorming sessions eventually influenced WWE storylines as their influence grew in the 1990s. Years later, Kevin Nash even booked WCW, while Triple H is now WWE’s creative head, overseeing NXT.
Bam Bam Bigelow, Justin Credible, Kliq backstage
2.2. Inspiration from Fellow Travelers
Mick Foley credits his use of thumbtacks in hardcore matches to his travels with Diamond Dallas Page (DDP). Foley was inspired by DDP’s eccentric habit of using thumbtacks to seal out light from hotel room windows.
3. How Triple H Has Improved Life on the Road
Since Triple H took over as Chief Content Officer, WWE’s creative direction has garnered positive feedback from both fans and wrestlers. His experience as a former wrestler gives him a unique understanding of the roster’s challenges.
3.1. Respect for Wrestler Needs
Bayley praised Triple H for taking her pitch for a female faction seriously, which became Damage CTRL. Other wrestlers appreciate his willingness to listen to their ideas and his reduced inclination for last-minute changes, unlike his predecessor.
3.2. More Time Off
AJ Styles noted that talents now have time off to recuperate and reinvent themselves. Triple H also granted extra time off during the 2023 holiday season, demonstrating his concern for the well-being of his wrestlers, allowing them to spend quality time with their families.
Triple-h-vince-mcmahon-wwe-talent backstage
4. The Challenges of Main Eventing
Main eventers often face the most significant challenges due to their demanding schedules and late-night commitments.
4.1. Late Night Struggles
Hulk Hogan shared his experiences of main eventing in the 1980s and 1990s. After closing shows, he often returned to his hotel to find room service closed, leaving him with limited dining options.
4.2. Modern Solutions
Fortunately, modern wrestlers benefit from expanded delivery services, eateries open later, and technology to facilitate meal preparation. These advancements have made life easier for today’s main eventers, but the demanding nature of travel remains a constant.
WWE Golden Era Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan, Rockin Robin
5. The Complexities of Bringing Family Along
While bringing family on the road might seem like a solution to loneliness, it doesn’t always work out as planned.
5.1. Success Stories
Some wrestling couples have successfully navigated the balance between their personal and professional lives, finding support and companionship on the road.
5.2. Failed Attempts
Bret Hart recounted bringing his wife on the road for WrestleMania 10, which only exacerbated existing issues in their marriage. Despite winning the WWE Championship, he felt miserable after another argument with his spouse. This illustrates the potential pitfalls of mixing personal and professional lives while traveling.
6. The Impact of Personal Buses
Personal buses have revolutionized travel for some WWE talents, providing comfort, convenience, and privacy.
6.1. Comfort and Rest
Having a personal bus means someone else does the driving while a wrestler can sleep between towns. This is particularly beneficial for larger wrestlers who may not fit comfortably in standard automobiles.
6.2. Famous Bus Users
CM Punk, Randy Orton, and The Big Show are among the wrestlers who have chartered private buses to manage their travel. These buses allow them to stretch out, control their schedules, and get much-needed rest.
Randy Orton and his bus with tinted windows
6.3. Longevity and Well-being
Randy Orton is known for utilizing old wisdom and new technologies to ice his body immediately after matches and get full nights of sleep on his bus. These practices have contributed to his longevity and well-being in the wrestling industry.
7. Wrestling on Holidays
Holidays don’t necessarily mean a day off for WWE Superstars. In the past, holidays like Christmas have been significant business opportunities for live wrestling events.
7.1. Christmas Day RAW
WWE has even held live Raw tapings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, requiring wrestlers to be away from their families during the holidays.
7.2. Consolation Perks
As a consolation, WWE has thrown backstage Christmas parties and covered hotel bills for both Raw and SmackDown shows. However, the emotional toll of being away from loved ones remains a challenge.
Mick Foley Christmas Room all festive
8. Wrestlers’ Responsibility for Ground Travel
WWE wrestlers are traditionally responsible for renting their own cars and driving themselves to different venues.
8.1. Cost-Saving Measures
To save money and build camaraderie, many talents band together to share rides. WWE has documented some of these journeys on shows like Ride Along, offering a glimpse into the realities of wrestler travel.
8.2. WWE’s Contribution
WWE covers air travel expenses for its performers. However, for PR work, wrestlers may have their travel and accommodation sorted, though they don’t receive extra pay.
9. Hotels, Food, and Fitness on the Road
Maintaining a super-human physique while traveling is a significant challenge for WWE Superstars.
9.1. Managing Costs
Wrestlers are responsible for booking their own hotels, a practice that dates back to the ’90s. Some wrestlers, like Mick Foley, were known for cutting corners by staying at cheap motels or even sleeping in their cars.
9.2. Staying in Shape
It is crucial for WWE wrestlers to stay in great physical condition. They must find their own fitness facilities, manage their diets, and ensure they remain in strong shape without direct assistance from WWE.
R-Truth at Drake Maverick's hotel room
10. Negotiating Better Travel Stipulations
Veteran wrestlers often prioritize better travel stipulations in their contracts, recognizing the impact of the demanding schedule on their well-being.
10.1. Travel Considerations
Wrestlers signing new contracts often seek amendments that promise better travel, limited dates, and improved accommodation. Big names often negotiate reduced schedules and increased pay.
10.2. Roman Reigns’ Example
Roman Reigns’ part-time champion status exemplifies this trend, as he has negotiated a reduced schedule to balance his career and personal life.
11. The Infamous Plane Ride From Hell
The Plane Ride From Hell led WWE to discontinue the practice of chartering private planes for its talents.
11.1. Private Plane History
WWE used to use private planes for long-distance and overseas travel. However, the infamous Plane Ride From Hell, following a UK PPV event, changed everything.
11.2. The Aftermath
The incident involved legitimate fights, drug use, and allegations of sexual abuse, leading WWE to scrap the private plane perk.
12. Unused Wrestlers and Wasted Travel
Many WWE wrestlers travel to events only to find that they are not needed.
12.1. Background Players
Wrestlers are often told to travel in case they are needed as background players or to fill in for injured performers.
12.2. WCW’s Practices
WCW was notorious for booking travel for talents they didn’t actually use. While WWE may not buy tickets for the entire roster, they often fly in more people than necessary.
Curt Hawkins with a look of disbelief
13. Overseas Travel Complexities
Overseas travel presents unique challenges for WWE Superstars.
13.1. Cultural Differences
Different countries have different norms compared to Canada and the U.S. Security can be less stringent at overseas shows.
13.2. Fan Interactions
Major stars have struggled with being mobbed by fans who rarely get to see them live. Randy Orton and Triple H have both experienced overwhelming fan interactions during overseas visits.
13.3. Rigorous Schedules
The schedule is often more intense on overseas tours, with WWE visiting different cities and countries every day. Wrestlers often have limited time to sightsee and experience these places.
14. Family Time Deficit
The intense WWE schedule often results in less family time for its performers.
14.1. Show Frequency
WWE Superstars typically work three or more shows per week, including TV tapings and live events. The weeks surrounding PLEs (Premium Live Events) intensify the travel schedule.
14.2. Limited Home Time
Active wrestlers often spend just two or three days with their loved ones and families each week, highlighting the sacrifices they make for their careers.
15. The Union Dream
A union could potentially improve the working conditions and travel schedule for WWE Superstars.
15.1. Independent Contractor Status
The idea of forming a union has been discussed, but the wrestlers’ status as independent contractors makes it difficult.
15.2. Early Career Focus
New employees are often so focused on living their dream with WWE that they may not consider the benefits of unionization.
Zelina Vega on Twitch playing games
16. Vince McMahon’s Travel Quirks
Vince McMahon had peculiar rules about travel, including those that applied to his private jet.
16.1. Private Jet Travel
McMahon always traveled via his own private jet. However, he had specific rules for non-wrestlers who traveled with him.
16.2. No Sleeping Allowed
McMahon allegedly disliked anyone falling asleep on his private jet, reflecting his odd personality and preferences.
vince mcmahon serious with a stern look
17. The Bottom Line: Navigating the WWE Travel Landscape
The world of WWE travel is a complex and demanding landscape. While air travel is typically covered, wrestlers often bear the responsibility for ground transportation, accommodation, food, and fitness arrangements. Factors such as personal preferences, family considerations, and the desire for creative collaboration influence their choices on the road. With changes under new leadership, there have been improvements in wrestler well-being and creative freedom, but the challenges of the intense travel schedule remain a constant.
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FAQ: WWE Travel Edition
1. Does WWE pay for air travel for its performers?
Yes, WWE typically covers the cost of air travel for its wrestlers to get them to various events and tapings.
2. Are WWE wrestlers responsible for their own hotel accommodations?
Yes, WWE wrestlers are generally responsible for booking and paying for their own hotel accommodations while on the road. However, they can expense a portion of their hotel stay.
3. Do WWE wrestlers get per diem for food expenses?
No, WWE wrestlers do not receive a per diem for food expenses. They are responsible for covering their own meals while traveling.
4. Does WWE provide rental cars or transportation for its wrestlers?
No, WWE wrestlers are responsible for arranging and paying for their own ground transportation, including rental cars.
5. How do WWE wrestlers manage to stay in shape while traveling so much?
WWE wrestlers prioritize finding local gyms or fitness facilities in each city they visit. They also focus on maintaining a healthy diet while on the road.
6. Do WWE wrestlers get paid extra for working on holidays?
While WWE may provide some perks or bonuses for working on holidays, it’s not necessarily a standard practice. The specific compensation can vary depending on the wrestler’s contract and the circumstances.
7. Can WWE wrestlers bring their families on the road with them?
Yes, WWE wrestlers are generally allowed to bring their families on the road, but they are responsible for covering all associated expenses, including travel and accommodation.
8. Do WWE wrestlers have input on their travel schedules?
While WWE ultimately determines the travel schedules for its wrestlers, some veteran performers may have the opportunity to negotiate certain travel stipulations in their contracts, such as limited dates or better accommodation.
9. What happened with the WWE private plane?
WWE used to provide a private plane for its wrestlers, but after the infamous “Plane Ride From Hell,” the company discontinued this practice due to the misconduct and controversies that occurred during the flight.
10. How do WWE wrestlers deal with the challenges of overseas travel?
WWE wrestlers often face unique challenges during overseas travel, including cultural differences, security concerns, and language barriers. They rely on their experience and resourcefulness to navigate these situations and maintain their well-being while on the road.
