>>17953356Because it's only ever half-true, at best.
How it typically works is that, for a while, you can make significantly more if you were to break down your previously salary as a pay-per-appearance and compare numbers. But that number tends to level out some, unless you become a hot indie act. The trade-off is that you're on the hook for more of your own shit, but you're also getting a bigger cut of your own merch. So if you get over, and hustle, you can make a good living post-WWE.
At least, this was the case prior to AEW. No idea what the landscape looks like now. Your best bet is probably to get TK to pay you six figures to sit at home.
Also not sure what the landscape is in TNA or MLW anymore, though I've heard it isn't too different in the former now, which means you can still earn good money if you're a tippy top talent there.