Not for the faint of heart
With a grueling travel schedule, the physical demands and constant injury risk – it’s safe to say pro wrestling is one of the toughest gigs out there.
But, if you can hack it and make it to the top of the industry, there’s certainly money to be made.
Money in the bank
WWE is by any measure the commercial peak of wrestling, so let’s look at the highest-paid athletes currently working on their books.
10. Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair, one of WWE’s most talented and decorated female wrestlers, has risen to prominence through a blend of athleticism, in-ring skill, and star power.
As the daughter of legend Ric Flair, she has carved out her own legacy, winning numerous championships.
According to Sportskeeda, her star status is reflected in her reported $2 million (€1.87 million / £1.6 million) annual contract.
9. Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens has proven himself as a WWE workhorse over the past decade since signing in 2014.
With his current $2 million (€1.87 million / £1.6 million) contract expiring later this year, WWE will be eager to retain him as one of its most reliable and popular stars.
8. The Undertaker
Not working as a talent in the traditional sense, but “The Dead Man” is so beloved by WWE they didn’t want to lose his experience and nouse for the business as he stepped away from the grind.
As such, The Undertaker earns a reported $2.5m (€2.33 million / £2 million) a year for his ‘Legends’ contract, according to Sportskeeda.
7. The Miz
A seasoned performer and charismatic entertainer, The Miz has become a mainstay in WWE.
Known for his outspoken personality and impressive mic skills, he reportedly earns an annual salary of $2.5 million (€2.33 million / £2 million), according to ITN WWE.
6. Seth Rollins
A cornerstone of WWE’s roster, Rollins has cemented his status as one of the company’s most bankable superstars.
His exceptional in-ring abilities, combined with his natural charisma and compelling character work, have garnered him a significant payday.
Rollins is rumored to receive an annual salary in the range of $3 million (€2.8 million / £2.4 million), according to Sports Illustrated.
5. AJ Styles
AJ Styles is one of the most decorated and accomplished wrestlers on WWE’s current roster.
In February 2022, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that Styles re-signed a multi-year contract worth $3 million (€2.8 million / £2.4 million).
A two-time WWE Champion, Styles is widely regarded as one of the world’s best wrestlers and deserves every penny he earns.
4. Cody Rhodes
Sitting at number four on our list, current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returned to WWE in 2022, quickly rising as the top babyface.
He won consecutive Royal Rumbles before dethroning Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
Ahead of Mania, Rhodes signed a two-year contract extension worth $3 million (€2.8 million / £2.4 million) annually, solidifying his place at the top.
3. Randy Orton
A seasoned veteran, Randy Orton’s long and successful career has earned him immense respect in the wrestling world.
Known for his methodical in-ring style and intense charisma, Orton’s experience has translated into a lucrative contract.
According to Sports Illustrated, his estimated annual salary is around $4 million (€3.7 million / £3.2 million).
2. Roman Reigns
“The Tribal Chief,” Roman Reigns has solidified his position as WWE’s top star both in and out of the ring.
In 2024, he remains at the pinnacle of the WWE pay scale, with an annual salary of $5 million (€4.67 million / £4 million), according to Sports Illustrated, but also has a higher share of merchandise sales in his contract.
1. Brock Lesnar
“The Beast Incarnate”, Brock Lesnar, remains WWE’s highest-paid wrestler in 2024, despite not appearing at any events this year.
Lesnar’s immense star power has enabled him to negotiate a contract reportedly worth around $5 million (€4.67 million / £4 million) annually, according to ITN WWE, all without taking a single bump.
Future in doubt for Lesnar
How long this will go on remains to be seen, however, as Lesnar has reportedly been implicated in the Vince McMahon legal issues, despite not officially being named, according to Sports Illustrated.
He’s basically been written out of the storylines for now, and when that could change is anybody’s guess.
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Source: MSN