The National Wrestling Alliance is currently on hiatus during the pandemic and it is unknown when the company will return to running live events.
During the hiatus, top talent such as Ricky Starks and Zicky Dice were granted their respective releases from the company. Fightful Select reported Starks passed up an offer for $1,000 per month while Dice was offered $250 per month at one point.
Speaking to Busted Open Radio, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis discussed NWA losing featured talent over money.
"I'm blessed and make a good living as a contracted talent and earn six figures. That's not the case for everyone. I had to earn that. The first six months I worked for the company, I didn't take a check," he said. "Wrestling companies don't just start and hand out six-figure contracts to people. That's not normal. There's been a few guys who had some sideways things to say about the NWA in that regard, but ultimately, I generate that revenue for the company. This company, even at this point, is still generating over five-figures in monthly revenue and that's largely due to me. This isn't about me putting myself over, but the reality is, we have some incredible talent and a lot people working hard, but if you're really truthful with yourself, is there really anybody else to where, if they were to leave, the brand would be in serious trouble? You know the answer. It's no."
He continued, "If there's an opportunity for you to make some bread, go take it. I'm making mine. There isn't enough for everybody here. I wish people could get that through their heads that they've got to stop comparing every wrestling company to WWE in terms of their operational ability and infrastructure. It's asinine and stupid. These guys that come into the business and assume, 'Oh, I work for a wrestling company, it's just a matter of time before I have a six-figure contract.' It doesn't work like that. Prove your worth, generate revenue."
Aldis was complimentary of Starks, saying he was one of the first to recognize the talent in Starks. He also paid compliment to Eddie Kingston, another NWA name who appeared on AEW Dynamite, saying he would love to do a program with Kingston.
Starks is now working for AEW. It is unknown when NWA will resume running live events.
Elsewhere during the interview, Aldis responded to Bruce Prichard's comment that he didn't have the "it factor" during his time in TNA. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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