The wrestling industry is one of the biggest sports entertainment enterprises of our times. Multiple wrestlers have left the ring to star in the big screen, such as millionaire and WWE legend, Dwayne Johnson. But is this true for the other current wrestling stars as well? Considering their enormous incomes, it seems that it’s not any more uncommon for them to start building their own brand and snag endorsement deals that translate to big bucks going into their bank account. So here are some of the biggest earners in the industry who have built huge fortunes for themselves. You’ll be amazed at how enormous those sums can get!
Ronda Rousey – $12 Million
The 32-year old WWE star Ronda Rousey has built an impressive fortune so far. Her estimated net worth is currently about $12 million. Ronda is a professional wrestler but she is also an actress, author, MMA fighter, and a judoka. She signed a contract with WWE in 2018 and currently, Ronda is the Raw Women’s Champion in her first reign. In 2010, Ronda was the first female American judo athlete to win an Olympic medal. Rousey also appeared in several films such as The Expendables 3 and most recently in Mile 22 in 2018.
The Undertaker – $17 Million
A wrestler who has demonstrated that exercising is key to staying active is The Undertaker. At 53 years old, he is one of the WWE legends and still competing! And he has kept the same character for his entire career with the WWE which is not the most common thing. However, he might be leaving the company for good as he removed the company logo and all affiliations from his social networks. Does this mean goodbye? Mark Calaway –The Undertaker’s real name – has made no statements as of February 2019, but this might be yet another hit for the WWE in 2019!
Triple H – $35 Million
Another member of the McMahon family that left wrestling for a more administrative role is Triple H. Born Paul Michael Levesque, Triple H married Stephanie McMahon in 2003. These days, Triple H is a part of the higher management at WWE. However, his position doesn’t make him immune to Becky Lynch’s ire either. Lynch slapped him in a confrontation after slapping his wife the day prior in February 2019. This took place after he told Lynch to get cleared by a doctor before fighting. In this case, there’s an even more personal touch to the confrontation, considering that Triple H was Lynch’s mentor at some point.
Big Show – $20 Million
Big Show is certainly a versatile and talented performer. Aside from wrestling, he also acted in movies such as Vendetta in 2015. However, he continues to be signed to WWE and is currently a part of the SmackDown brand. With one of the longest careers in the industry, he has participated in a number of championships and has won multiple awards, including WWE Championships, WCW and ECW Championships. Big Show is also a devoted father. After his divorce from his first wife in 2001, he married Bess Katramados in 2002 and they have three children.
Stephanie McMahon – $79 Million
Not one to wait for her future inheritance from dad Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon has become a WWE legend in her own right. Since the end of her wrestling years, Stephanie has become a part of the organization and works directly in areas more related to management and as a presenter in some of the matches. However, during a match in February 2019, Becky Lynch slapped her for suspending her, which might be the setting for a future encounter between McMahon and Lynch in 2019’s SummerSlam. Could Stephanie be considering making a comeback? Anything can happen in the wrestling world!
Dwayne Johnson – $220 Million
You could maybe say that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was born to be a wrestler. Maybe it was his gene inheritance, considering that both his father and his grandfather performed as professional wrestlers. His story has captivated fans since the beginning, as he started with a hero character and then turned into a villain. After deciding to retire officially from the ring and dedicate full-time to his acting, Johnson has become one of the best-paid actors in Hollywood. He even has his own production company called Seven Bucks Production which will release a new project in 2019 called Fighting with Family.
John Cena – $55 Million
John Cena is another example of a wrestler-turned-successful actor. While he hasn’t reached the level of stardom –and wealth- that “The Rock” has, Cena has been slowly but steadily building his Hollywood career. However, this has meant fewer appearances at WWE events. There have been speculations that he might appear in 2019’s Wrestle Mania event as he’s supposed to have wrapped up the filming of his new full movie called Playing with Fire. Whether Cena will take part in an official match or not (or film another movie that quick) has yet to be seen.
Steve Austin – $45 Million
Steve Austin’s story is a tale of versatility and perseverance. After getting started in 1989 with a character on the side of the fair and the good and competing on his own, he became a part of a team with Brian Pullman and won the World Tag Team Championship in 1993. But this wouldn’t be his last milestone. With his trademark mean and bald look, Austin joined the WWF and went by the name ‘Stone Cold Stunner’ for which he is still remembered today. A much-admired legendary wrestler, many new stars make use of his classic moves, such as Israel Adesanya, who was seen doing one of the Stunner’s moves during training in February 2019.
Roman Reigns – $12 Million
Roman Reigns certainly had a meteoric ascent in the wrestling world. The three-time winner of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and 2014’s Superstar of the Year only debuted in the ring in 2012. In 2017, his star shone brighter after he fought The Undertaker in 2017’s WrestleMania. However, Reigns now faces an even greater battle. After having defeated the disease once, Reigns is fighting leukemia once more. It was published in February 2019 that he would not be joining April’s WrestleMania due to his current condition. Hopefully, he will be able to win this battle.
Randy Orton – $11 Million
Randy Orton is an immensely talented WWE performer. He was the youngest competitor to ever win the World Heavyweight Championship and he formed part of The Legacy together with Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes. The last one might be a cause for worry for the WWE management, considering that he is one of the founders of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) – a new competitor in the wrestling world. During the start of 2019, there had been rumors that Orton might switch to AEW, which would certainly have a big impact on WWE. But his $11-million net worth might just get a huge boost if this goes through.
Dean Ambrose – $7 Million
Jonathan Good, better known for his stage name in the WWE, Dean Ambrose, will be leaving the company after a very successful and emblematic career. The performer has declared that 2019’s WrestleMania will be his last event. He has found both success and love, as he married Renee Young who has been working as an announcer in RAW. The couple had a super-secret wedding in 2017. Although Ambrose is leaving, it is unlikely that Renee will leave WWE for now. Ambrose will always be remembered as a part of one of the most controversial teams of wrestling: The Shield.
AJ Styles – $6 Million
AJ Styles might be considered a new face in WWE considering that he signed with the company only in 2016. But he has been making the rounds in independent circuits as well as in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he had been competing for more than ten years. He is set to compete for the maximum title in 2019’s WrestleMania after defusing rumors that he might be injured. He seems to be doing his own social media monitoring as he’s taken to Twitter to slam the rumors about him having a hernia.
Kevin Owens – $20 Million
Kevin Steen was born in Canada and goes by the name Kevin Owens in his wrestling competitions. Since signing with WWE, he has had the role of one of the bad guys. However, he is a villain who everyone loves and has managed to gain the public’s love. Unfortunately, since October 2018, Owens has been absent from the ring after undergoing double-knee surgery. Although he has been active in Social Media since his surgery and is reportedly back doing his workouts, it might still be a long while before fans get to see Owens competing again.
Chris Jericho – $18 Million
Chris Jericho is not only a former WWE wrestler but he is also a published author. Aside from publishing two autobiographic books, Jericho has found the time to explore his talent as a musician as well. A man of many talents, Jericho made news at the beginning of 2019 for signing with the new kid on the block in the wrestling industry: AEW. By doing so, fans can have something new to look forward to in the WWE competition. Jericho has shown that he is aching for a fight with WWE Brock Lesnar Does that mean that Lesnar might be changing allegiance soon? We doubt it, but these have been rocky months for WWE alright!
Mick Foley – $18 Million
Being his own media manager might not be all that Mick Foley has dreamed of. The former wrestler and comedian decided to abandon his Instagram account after only two posts in January 2019. He did take to Twitter to publish the news so maybe not everything is lost. The wrestling legend will always be remembered for his tremendous success in the industry but also for being one of the participants in the legendary TV program, WWE Heat. This took place in 1999, in an empty arena, as an alternative show to watch during that year’s Super Bowl halftime.
Brock Lesnar – $22 Million
Brock Lesnar continues to be one of WWE’s biggest superstars, if not the biggest. However, this is not Lesnar’s first rodeo at all. Aside from being with WWE before, he also did professional wrestling. Lesnar hasn’t forgotten where it all started though as he was seen in January of 2019 visiting his old alma mater, the University of Minnesota, where he was a part of the wrestling team. Lesnar took the time to talk to the current team members and he actually got in a practice match with current champion Gable Stevenson.
Dave Bautista – $13 Million
Dave Bautista is a winner through and through and he manages to keep being relevant in front of the camera after becoming an actor. He’s played a variety of roles since entering Hollywood and leaving the wrestling world behind. He is most known for his participation in the Marvel’s franchise Guardians of the Galaxy. Bautista has participated in diverse films and will soon begin filming Dune with Javier Bardem. However, this might prove to be an impediment for his alleged set match against Triple H in 2019’s WrestleMania. Although nothing has been set in stone, this possible match seems more unlikely due to Bautista’s film schedule.
Kurt Angle – $25 Million
Kurt Angle is certainly wrestling royalty. Before starting his career in the WWF in 1998, Kurt was an Olympian, representing the United States in the 1995 Olympics and earning the gold medal for his country. Later, he would proceed to have one of the longest and highly successful careers in the WWF. Currently, Kurt is still with the WWE, but rumors about his retiring have been going around. It is unlikely that WWE will let him leave now, especially considering the AEW menace. However, a storyline in that direction might have started in February 2019.
Jeff Hardy – $12 Million
Jeff and his brother Matt Hardy, have been successful wrestlers for more than a decade. Although his brother Matt is allegedly in retirement, Jeff declared in February 2019 that he didn’t really believe that his brother had left the ring for good. As for him, with his contract with WWE about to end, he has yet to decide if he will continue on with the company, switch to AEW or dedicate more time to his music. Jeff can write you a song about wrestling and sing about it, too! There are plenty of options for Hardy, that’s for sure!
Rey Mysterio – $10 Million
Rey Mysterio is one of the best wrestlers that WWE has at the moment. In fact, he is one of many wrestlers who seems destined to be a wrestler. Maybe his talent was his inheritance from his uncle who competed as Rey Misterio Sr. (and trained him), and his Lucha Libre style of fighting certainly shows it. During the 2019’s Smackdown fights, Mysteryo has been fighting against Andrade. Although a match against Samoa Joe had been scheduled, this fight never took place. As of February 2019, it is yet unknown if such a fight will ever take place. Fans will surely love it!
Kane – $9 Million
It is common for wrestlers to go onto the big screen after they leave the ring, or opting for only a part-time schedule while they balance their Hollywood schedules with their fighting. However, for Kane – born Glenn Jacobs – his calling was more public-service oriented. Jacobs, who’s known for his character’s supernatural powers and long dedication to the industry, is actually the mayor of Knox County in Tennessee. What’s more, he hasn’t officially retired from the ring yet! His latest fight took place in November 2018 in Saudi Arabia and apparently the paycheck for it was a donation from the WWE to the Knoxville Public Safety Foundation.
The Miz – $9 Million
The Miz has certainly shown that he likes betting on himself. After dropping out of Miami University to be a part of The Real World: Back to New York, Michael Mizanin, The Miz, went on to pursue a career as a reality TV star and play small roles on TV shows such as Psych. Eventually, though, he managed to get a WWE contract and made the transition from host to a wrestler. He has been a champion in tag teams with legends such as Big Show and John Cena. His most recent victory was in 2019’s Royal Rumble in a tag team with Shane McMahon.
CM Punk – $8 Million
CM Punk definitely knew he wanted to start his retirement planning early and that was what had allowed him to quit the WWE at such a young age. However, even though he is not wrestling anymore, he still practices mixed martial arts and is currently a color commentator on Cage Fury Fighting Championship. With admirable work ethics, Punk has said that he wouldn’t want to disappoint the fans and that’s why he takes his responsibilities as commentator very seriously. CM will star in the horror film Girl on the Third Floor, and if this proves to be a success, it might be a new direction for his career.
Daniel Bryan – $8 Million
WWE is certainly the stage for complete and successful transformations. For Daniel Bryan, deciding to do a complete change in his character was a career-changer and a good one at that. After retiring for a period to a serious injury, he came back to the ring but success was not on his side. That was until he turned from his good-guy character to that of a villain, to the delight of many fans. The defender of animal rights has made the most of his comeback and is one of the possible headliners for 2019’s WrestleMania.
Sheamus – $8 Million
Wrestler Sheamus, born Stephen Farrelly, can be your personal fitness trainer if you just go on YouTube and look up his Celtic Warrior Workout program. Sheamus certainly knows how to capitalize on the success of his WWE career and has been branching out with his own products and training advice. Sheamus might have started in independent leagues but since 2006, he has been a part of the WWE. He has also won solo and tag competitions, including that of the ultimate WWE Champion. Sheamus was seen recently trying a very different discipline on his Celtic Warrior Workout, as he attempted to practice yoga in January 2019.
Edge – $14 Million
Edge is certainly a SmackDown legend that knew how to capitalize on his success at the right moment. Now retired, Edge can boast of being the first Mr. Money in the Bank in 2005 but aside from this, he made history as a part of a tag team with co-wrestler Christian. They won the Tag Team Championships on several occasions. For his solo competitions, he won the Intercontinental Championship as well as World Championships. Edge has certainly shown that Canada has plenty to offer to the wrestling industry. With an estimated $14 million in his savings account, Edge can certainly attest to that.
Kevin Nash – $8 Million
Kevin Nash is one of the old names in the wrestling industry characterized by not always staying on the mainstream road. Nash had planned on being an athlete and he was a basketball player for the University of Tennessee. After a knee injury though, his basketball days were over. In 1991, he began his wrestling career, holding various WCW titles, as well as WWE victories. Lately, he has been seen in movies such as Magic Mike, showing that he certainly keeps in shape at 59 years of age. More recently, he appeared on the TV show, Living the Dream, in 2018.
Braun Strowman – $1 Million
Braun Strowman might have been one of the biggest names of 2017, amassing his $1-million net worth, thanks to his growing popularity. However, 2018 and the first months of 2019 have not been good to him. Although he still is a strong presence in the wrestling world, a series of drastic storyline changes have left him a bit adrift. This was especially after his fights with Lesnar, which did not exactly help him continue growing in the industry. He has been pushed to be a heel then had to go back to being one of the good ones, which has confused fans and further influenced Strowman’s fall from grace.
Ric Flair – $3 Million
Modern fans might not know who Ric Flair is, but an old-time follower would know that he is considered as one of the biggest wrestlers of all time. He competed for more than 40 years and won every prize that can be won at the industry. Of course, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame not once, but twice! His personal life might not have been as successful though since he has had to hire a divorce attorney four times! Maybe the fifth one is for keeps! Flair is now a part of the Legends program at the WWE. He also turns 70 in February 2019.
Vince McMahon – $3 Billion
Vince McMahon is probably the man who has made the most money in the entire wrestling industry – which really should come as no surprise considering that he is the big boss at WWE. With competitions and events throughout the world, McMahon currently presides over an empire that might be facing shaky waters. McMahon was interviewed in February 2019 in regards to the observed decrease in both TV ratings and live events. Unfortunately, a long string of injured performers has somehow affected the quality of the matches and the storylines, which, according to McMahon, is the reason for the waning fan support.
Wade Barrett – $7 Million
Stuart Benett is an English wrestler better known as Wade Barrett. In his early years in wrestling, his victory in a bare-knuckle fight resulted in him getting stabbed and beaten. Barrett still bears the scars as well as a badly-healed nose. These days, Barrett’s name has been making wrestling celebrity news, because, even though he is no longer with WWE since 2016, his name has been thrown out there as a possible new hire for AEW. Wrestling fans will just have to wait and see in 2019 what Barrett’s moves would be. It’s also possible that WWE might try to beat AEW into getting Barrett to be on the ring again.
Brie Bella – $6 Million
The Total Divas reality TV star started her career in soccer, but soon, the modeling and promoting world took over. It wasn’t until 2008 that she made her first appearance in a wrestling roster, together with twin sister Nikki. Brie managed to find love in the wrestling circle and married Daniel Bryan in 2014. The couple has a daughter together, Birdie. Brie recently commented on her show in January 2019, that she might consider getting a breast augmentation surgery as she complained that her breasts got smaller after breastfeeding! Well, it makes us wonder now if she still has plans of breastfeeding a second child!
Seth Rollins – $4 Million
Seth Rollins is a rising star in the WWE and he might just be here to stay. After winning 2019’s Royal Rumble, Rollins is set to fight Brock Lesnar in WrestleMania, which will take place in April 2019. Rollins started his career in Florida, competing in Florida Championship Wrestling events. After winning 2015’s WrestlingMania, Rollins certainly showed that he had a lot more to offer. However, recent reports made in February 2019 regarding health issues related to a back injury might put his upcoming fights into question. Only time will tell what will happen in the 2019’s WrestlingMania.
Shawn Michaels – $17 Million
Shawn Michaels had been wrestling for decades when he decided to retire from the ring, a decision he confirmed, once again, in January of 2019, during the opening of an NKT UK Performance Center. Michaels is currently one of the coaches at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, but before this, he had managed to create 12 signature moves – quite a big deal for any wrestler to do. It was a good thing that his career was so successful, especially considering he dropped out of college and decided to bet everything on wrestling. The reward? He became a wrestling legend and amassed a fortune of $17 million – which is not bad at all!
Kofi Kingston – $3 Million
American-Ghanian wrestler Kofi Kingston was born in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana on August 14, 1981. His name was originally Kofi Nahaje Sarkodie-Mensah, and after finishing college, he decided to pursue professional wrestling and debuted in WWE with a Jamaican character. Hence, he chose Kingston as his wrestling name.
He is currently on a homecoming tour in his native country of Ghana, which is being documented by WWE cameras. Kofi not only is the reigning WWE champion but he’s also the first African to get the title. He’s also a part of the famous The New Day trio. He holds a net worth of $ 3 million.