
Stone Cold Steve Austin – $30 Million
There have been a lot of high-paid wrestlers over the years, but no one has made as much money as Stone Cold Steve Austin. The Texas Rattlesnake was the biggest star in the WWE during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he was able to demand some of the highest salaries in the business. Austin was a huge draw for the WWE, and he was responsible for helping to create the company’s most successful period ever.
After retiring from wrestling, Austin has branched out into other areas. He has appeared in several films and TV shows hosted his own popular podcast, and started his own brewery. Austin is now a millionaire many times over, and he is still one of the most popular wrestlers in history.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $400 Million
Johnson’s crossover appeal is undeniable, and his box office clout has helped him become the highest-paid wrestler of all time. With a net worth of over $280 million, Johnson has outearned his counterparts by a wide margin; even the second-highest earning wrestler on this list, John Cena, is miles behind The Rock in terms of earnings.
What’s more, Johnson’s work outside the ring has helped make him one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. His roles in films like “The Fast and the Furious” and “San Andreas” have grossed billions of dollars at the box office, and he shows no signs of slowing down. As long as Johnson continues to make movies that audiences want to see, his status as the highest-paid wrestler of all time is safe.
Ronda Rousey – $13 Million
When Ronda Rousey first arrived in WWE, many people didn’t know what to expect. She was an MMA fighter, after all, and many thought that she would be too rough and tough for the world of professional wrestling. However, Rousey quickly proved that she was a natural performer, and she soon became one of the most popular wrestlers in the company.
Rousey’s matches are always exciting to watch, and she always manages to get the fans on her side. In fact, her match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 35 was one of the most talked-about matches in recent memory. Rousey is definitely a wrestler to watch out for in the years to come.
Andre the Giant – $10 Million (Estate)
The professional wrestling world lost one of its biggest and most beloved stars when Andre the Giant passed away in 1993. When it comes to the highest-paid wrestlers of all time, Andre the Giant is, without a doubt, at the top of the list. The Giant’s long career saw him work in territories all around the world before becoming a fixture of Vince McMahon’s national expansion in the 1980s.
His acting career also took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with appearances in Hollywood productions like The Princess Bride and The Six Million Dollar Man. Upon his 1993 death, Andre’s daughter inherited his estate – which was estimated to be worth millions. In short, Andre was one of the most successful and highly compensated wrestlers of all time.
Macho Man Randy Savage – $8 Million (Estate)
He was one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling in the late 80s and 90s, and his estate still brings in a lot of money even after his death in 2011. His widow, Miss Elizabeth, and their two children are the beneficiaries of his estate, and they continue to make money from his legacy. Randy Savage was an incredible wrestler and performer, and his unique style and persona resonated with fans.
He was a major star throughout the 1990s and continued to be popular even after he retired from wrestling. His appearances in movies and commercials helped keep his name in the public eye, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
Sting – $8 Million
The face-painted warrior – real name: Steve Borden – burst onto the scene in the 1980s in the NWA and WCW. He remained a blonde-haired babyface hero until 1996 when he took on a dark visage (reminiscent of The Crow) to fight the villainous NWO. Sting kept that look through the end of WCW, a run in TNA, a brief WWE run, and currently in AEW.
What made Sting stand out from all other wrestlers was his willingness to change with the times. While other wrestlers stuck to their guns and refused to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of wrestling, Sting always managed to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it was in terms of his look or his wrestling style, Sting always managed to keep things fresh.
Ric Flair – $500,000
Ric Flair is widely recognized as the greatest wrestler of all time. While he has certainly made a fortune in the business, he has also unfortunately suffered from financial difficulties. This is largely due to poor money management, as well as costly divorces and addictions. Despite this, Flair’s net worth is still estimated to be in the millions.
One of the biggest earners in professional wrestling history is John Cena. He has headlined numerous major pay-per-views and has been one of the most consistent draws in the WWE for over a decade. Cena has also branched out into Hollywood, appearing in major motion pictures like Trainwreck and Sisters. His total earnings are estimated to be over $250 million.
Triple H – $150 Million
Triple H is definitely one of the top earners. His influence in WWE as both an in-ring performer and behind-the-scenes executive has allowed him to amass a massive net worth. And while he’s certainly not the flashiest wrestler on the roster, his longevity and contributions to WWE are undeniable.
Not only is Triple H one of the highest-paid wrestlers ever, but he’s also one of the most successful. He’s been a part of some of the most iconic moments in WWE history, and his marriage to Stephanie McMahon has only increased his power and influence within the company. Whether he’s in the ring or behind the scenes, Triple H is always a major player in WWE.
Bray Wyatt – $1 Million
There have been many great wrestlers in the history of WWE, but only a select few have been able to make the kind of money that Bray Wyatt has. The Fiend is one of the most popular and successful wrestlers in the company, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got charisma and a unique look that separates him from the rest of the pack.
Wyatt is also a fantastic performer in the ring, and he’s got a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the business. That’s why he’s one of the highest-paid wrestlers in WWE today. He’s earned every penny, and there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to be a major force in the company for years to come.
Charlotte Flair – $1.1 Million
As the daughter of the legendary Ric Flair, Charlotte – real name Ashley Fliehr – had some major shoes to fill in the pro-wrestling world. However, she’s done so with gusto. Throughout her nearly 10-year career with WWE, Flair has become one of the most recognized and financially successful women’s wrestlers in history and is consistently scripted to be the featured player in the female division.
This level of success has allowed her to amass an impressive net worth; as of 2019, Charlotte is reportedly worth $8 million. This places her high up on the list of richest wrestlers of all time, male or female. And with a new contract from WWE that is rumored to pay her $1 million annually, Charlotte will stay near the top for years to come.
The Miz – $14 Million
In the decade-plus since Mike Mizanin first appeared on WWE programming, he’s morphed from a carpet bagger fans rejected into one of the company’s biggest heels. The Miz has headlined countless shows, branched beyond wrestling into films and reality TV, and even won a Dancing With the Stars trophy. Mizanin’s success is a testament to his commitment to his character and his willingness to do whatever it takes to entertain fans.
Mizanin has starred in several films, competed on Dancing With the Stars, and starred in the reality series Miz & Mrs. with his wife, fellow wrestler Maryse. This diverse range of projects demonstrates The Miz’s willingness to take risks and try new things, which sets him apart from many of his peers.
Kane – $9 Million
One of the most iconic wrestlers of all time, Kane made a fortune in the WWE. His character was instantly popular and remained so for over two decades. Kane was known for his extreme athleticism and hardcore matches. He was also an incredibly smart businessman, investing in real estate and other ventures outside of wrestling. In 2021, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Kane is a role model to many wrestlers and fans alike. He is an incredible athlete and performer but also a shrewd businessman. He has shown that it is possible to have a long and successful career in professional wrestling while also maintaining other interests outside of the ring.
Vince McMahon – $2 Billion
It’s hard to imagine a world without Vince McMahon. The billionaire businessman has been a driving force in the world of professional wrestling for over three decades and shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to his work behind the scenes as CEO of the WWE, McMahon has also been a performer in the company, earning millions of dollars in the process.
Though there have been many high-paid wrestlers, McMahon easily sits at the top of the list. His net worth is estimated at over $1.2 billion, which comes from his work in the WWE. In fact, McMahon is reportedly paid $2 million per year just to be an on-screen performer, making him one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world.
Dolph Ziggler – $3 Million
Dolph Ziggler’s cocky attitude and athletic style have made him one of the WWE’s most popular performers. He is a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and a four-time Intercontinental Champion and was also the 2012 Money in the Bank ladder match winner. Ziggler got his start in WWE as a male cheerleader but has since proven himself to be one of the best in the business.
Outside of WWE, Ziggler has had a successful career in comedy. He was a contestant on season five of the “reality” show “Survivor” and has also appeared on TV shows such as “Celebrity Apprentice” and “30 Rock”. Ziggler is a true renaissance man, and his fans are eagerly awaiting his next return to the ring.
Daniel Bryan – $12 Million
Bryan Danielson, AKA Daniel Bryan, will forever be known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His unbelievable in-ring skills, combined with his passion and commitment to the business, made him a fan favorite wherever he went. In WWE, Bryan became one of the company’s biggest stars, and his rivalry with The Miz was some of the most epic in recent memory.
When Bryan left WWE in 2021 for AEW, it was a sad day for fans everywhere. However, AEW is quickly becoming one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world, and Bryan is again at the top of his game. His matches against Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho have been incredible, and there’s no doubt that Bryan is still one of the best wrestlers in the business.
Samoa Joe – $3 Million
One of the most impressive things about Samoa Joe is his longevity. He started wrestling in the early 2000s and is still going strong in 2021. He made a big jump to WWE in 2015 and was a star on their NXT brand before moving up to Raw, Smackdown, and even commentary work. Joe and the company parted ways in 2021, but he left WWE as one of the highest-paid wrestlers of all time.
Joe’s success in WWE is partly due to his incredible work ethic. He’s always been willing to put his body on the line, leading to memorable matches over the years. He also has a great sense of humor, making him a fan favorite in the locker room and at live events.
Sheamus – $8 Million
Sheamus has always been one of the most reliable and versatile performers in the WWE. Sheamus has always been one of the most consistent and reliable WWE superstars in terms of his in-ring work. He’s never afraid to put his body on the line, and he always puts on a great show for the fans.
He’s also very versatile, having played multiple roles in WWE over the years. He’s been a face, a heel, a top champion, and a mid-carder, and he’s also been successful as a tag team wrestler. This makes him an invaluable tool for WWE’s creative team, and it’s why he’s always been one of the highest-paid wrestlers in the company.
Drew McIntyre – $1.5 Million
For many fans, McIntyre’s return to WWE in 2017 was a huge surprise. He had flopped on the main roster a few years earlier and was seen as a washed-up enhancement talent. However, McIntyre quickly silenced his doubters by becoming one of the company’s top players. He has since become a 2-time WWE Champion and is considered one of the best in-ring performers in the business.
McIntyre’s success can be attributed to his combination of technical wrestling skills and hard-hitting brawling. He can pull off high-flying aerial moves and bone-crunching power moves without looking out of place. This makes him an extremely versatile performer and a nightmare for opponents to wrestle against.
Bill Goldberg – $16 Million
In the 1990s, Bill Goldberg was one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling. He carried the WWE’s main competitor WCW for several years, and following the former’s acquisition of the latter, Goldberg wrestled for WWE from 2003 to 2004. He then returned to WWE beginning in 2016 and has wrestled several matches a year for the company since.
Goldberg is known for his powerful and explosive wrestling style. He has never been one to shy away from a fight, and his matches are always filled with drama and excitement. His fans love him for his no-nonsense attitude and willingness to take on anyone. Goldberg is also one of the highest-paid wrestlers in WWE. His appearances are always in high demand, and he regularly earns six-figure paydays for his matches.
Braun Strowman – $2 Million
The release of Braun Strowman by WWE in 2021 came as a shock to many fans and pundits alike. Braun was one of the company’s biggest homegrown stars in recent years and had headlined numerous major shows and held major titles. His popularity was undeniable, as were his merchandise sales. So what could have possibly led to his release?
Some believe that WWE simply felt that Strowman had run his course and that it was time to move on to new talents. Others suggest that there may have been backstage politics at play, with Strowman falling out of favor with some of the higher-ups. Whatever the reason, Braun’s departure left a big hole in WWE’s roster that had to be filled.
Kevin Owens – $3 Million
When it comes to the highest-paid wrestlers of all time, Kevin Owens is definitely up there. After years of headlining for Ring of Honor and other top independent promotions, Owens finally signed with WWE in 2014 and has been one of the company’s biggest stars ever since. Whether it’s his hard-hitting in-ring style or his engaging on-screen persona, Owens has a gift for entertaining fans and keeping them hooked.
And as one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE today, he’s also one of the highest-paid. With a salary that rivals some of the biggest names in sports entertainment, Owens is living proof that good things come to those who work hard and entertain audiences around the world.
Paul Heyman – $10 Million
It’s no secret that Paul Heyman is one of the most influential and well-respected figures in professional wrestling history. His work in ECW in the 1990s helped to redefine the industry, and his influence is still felt today. Heyman is a master of creating compelling storylines and drawing heat from the fans, and his knowledge of the business is second to none.
Despite his age, Heyman is still a major player in WWE, working as a creative consultant and behind-the-scenes advisor. He’s also made occasional on-screen appearances, most recently as the advocate for Brock Lesnar. Heyman is one of the highest-paid employees in WWE, and rightly so – he’s one of the company’s most valuable assets.
Jeff Hardy – $12 Million
Jeff Hardy has always been a daredevil both in and out of the wrestling ring. He achieved immense success as part of the Hardy Boyz tag team in WWE in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but his most notable accomplishments have come as a singles wrestler. In 2016, he signed with TNA Impact Wrestling and had several high-profile matches.
In 2017, Hardy returned to WWE and won the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship with his brother Matt. The two successfully defended the titles at WrestleMania 34 before dropping them back to Cesaro and Sheamus a few months later. Jeff’s latest run in WWE came to an end in early 2021 when he was released from his contract.
Undertaker – $17 Million
Mark Callaway may have retired from in-ring competition as the Undertaker, but he is still one of the highest-paid wrestlers of all time. Between his WWE contract, merchandise sales, and other business ventures, the Deadman is estimated to be worth over $20 million. Even after all these years, fans are still fascinated by his dark and mysterious gimmick, and he continues to make a fortune off of it.
Despite his retirement, 2020 was still a big year for the Undertaker. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, made a few special appearances on Raw and Smackdown, and even had a match at Wrestlemania. It’s clear that even after three decades in the business, the Undertaker is still one of WWE’s most valuable assets.
Seth Rollins – $9 Million
In professional wrestling, there are two types of performers: those who are loved by the fans and those who are hated. Seth Rollins is one of the most polarizing performers in the history of the sport, able to elicit either cheers or boos from the audience, regardless of his alignment (face or heel). What makes Rollins so entertaining is his willingness to do whatever it takes to win, even if that means putting his own body at risk.
Despite being one of the highest-paid wrestlers in WWE, Rollins has never lost sight of what’s important: his family. In early 2018, Rollins and his wife welcomed their first child into the world, and the new father spoke about how being a dad has made him a better performer in the ring.
Becky Lynch – $5 Million
Beginning her career in 2013, Lynch didn’t really take off until 2018, when she debuted her new persona, “The Man.” While she was originally presented as a heel, Lynch’s bravado quickly made her one of the most popular wrestlers on the roster, and she was eventually turned face.
In 2019, Lynch and Seth Rollins announced their engagement, and the following spring, Lynch announced that she and Rollins were expecting a baby. Lynch gave birth in December of 2020 and returned to the ring in August of 2021. Since returning to WWE, Becky Lynch has continued to be one of the most popular wrestlers on the roster. She is a four-time Women’s Champion and currently holds the Raw Women’s Championship.
AJ Styles – $6 Million
AJ Styles is undoubtedly one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. His skills in the ring have earned him fans worldwide, and his work in promotions like TNA, ROH, and New Japan Pro Wrestling has made him a global superstar. When he made his surprise debut in WWE in 2016, fans were excited to see what he could do in the biggest wrestling promotion in the world.
Styles quickly became one of the company’s biggest stars, and his main event run throughout the next several years was a huge draw for WWE. He became one of the most popular wrestlers on the roster, and his matches against top stars like John Cena and Randy Orton were always highly anticipated.
Bobby Lashley – $5 Million
Bobby Lashley has always been one of the most physically imposing wrestlers on the WWE roster. At 6’3″ and 265 pounds, he’s a mountain of a man with an incredible ability to dominate his opponents in the ring physically. This was on full display when he returned to WWE in 2018 after spending a decade wrestling on the independent circuit and competing in MMA fights.
Lashley has been booked as one of the company’s biggest stars since his return, feuding with top names like Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. He’s also been one of the highest-paid wrestlers in WWE over the past year, reportedly earning a salary of $1 million per year. This is a far cry from the $750,000 he made before leaving WWE in 2008.
Randy Orton – $11 Million
The son of WWE legend Bob Orton Jr., Orton has been a mainstay of the company since making his debut in 2002. He has won each of WWE’s major championships at least once and remains one of the biggest stars in the business more than 20 years after his debut.
Orton’s longevity and success can be attributed to his ability to reinvent himself constantly. Whether portraying the cocky Legend Killer or the dangerous Viper, Orton always manages to keep fans engaged. He is also a master of in-ring psychology, often taking advantage of his opponents’ weaknesses to score decisive victories. Despite being in his early 40s, Orton shows no signs of slowing down. He remains one of WWE’s most popular and bankable stars.
Roman Reigns – $12 Million
The WWE’s top full-time star Roman Reigns was practically bred to be a wrestling star. His legendary Anoa’i wrestling family has turned out wrestlers, including The Rock, Rikishi, Yokozuna, and others. Reigns played college football at Georgia before training under WWE’s tutelage. He debuted on the company’s main roster as a member of The Shield with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose and became the company’s No. 1 full-time star when the group was broken up in 2014.
Reigns have remained at the top of the card since, becoming known as the “Head of the Table” due to his stature as the company’s biggest full-time star. He is a five-time world champion, with three reigns as WWE Champion and two as World Heavyweight Champion.
John Cena – $60 Million
With so many years of experience and a resume full of box-office successes, it’s no wonder that John Cena is one of the highest-paid wrestlers of all time. With his popularity only continuing to grow, it seems that Cena will hold this record for many years to come.
Not only is Cena a talented wrestler, but he has also proven himself to be a successful actor. His roles in films such as The Marine and Trainwreck have shown that he can make an impression on audiences outside of the wrestling world. This makes Cena a hot commodity both in the ring and on the big screen. It’s clear that Cena is a force to be reckoned with, both in the wrestling world and beyond.
Brock Lesnar – $25 Million
Brock Lesnar is one of the most successful and highest-paid wrestlers of all time. After a successful career in NCAA Division 1 wrestling, he made his debut in WWE in 2000. He quickly became one of the biggest stars in the company and was at the center of many storylines.
However, in 2004 he abruptly left WWE to pursue a football career. After his NFL career failed, he transitioned to MMA fighting and eventually became a crossover star, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012 and has remained a major focus of their marquee events. His success in WWE has made him one of the highest-paid wrestlers of all time.
Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart – $14 Million
Bret Hart was able to make a good living in the business for over two decades. Hart was forced into retirement early due to a concussion, but he still remains a popular figure in the wrestling world.
Hart’s success in the wrestling business can be attributed to many things. He was blessed with natural athleticism and charisma, but he also worked hard to perfect his craft. Hart was also part of a famous wrestling family, which gave him some early exposure to the business. He made the most of his opportunities and became one of the biggest stars in the industry. Hart’s legacy lives on even after his retirement.
CM Punk – $8 Million
CM Punk was one of the most popular WWE Superstars of the past decade. He was a main eventer for many years and even held the WWE Championship for over 400 days. However, in 2014, Punk abruptly left WWE under controversial circumstances. Rumors circulated that he had a falling out with Vince McMahon.
Many wrestling fans were skeptical about Punk’s return to the ring in 2021. After all, he had spent seven years away from the business. But Punk proved he still had what it took to be a top star, as he quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in AEW. His match against Chris Jericho at All In was hailed as one of the best in history, and his rivalry with Jon Moxley is considered one of the best in recent memory.
Edge – $14 Million
Edge’s return to the WWE in 2020 was a huge surprise to fans, but after a few months back in the ring, it was clear that he was still one of the top stars. His match at Wrestlemania against Randy Orton was one of the highlights of the show and showed that even at 47 years old, Edge still has what it takes to put on a great show.
His time in the WWE was full of great moments, from teaming up with Christian as part of Edge and Christian to winning the World Heavyweight Championship on multiple occasions. He also had some great feuds with some of the biggest stars in the company, including The Undertaker and John Cena.
Jon Moxley – $12 Million
It’s no secret that professional wrestlers are some of the highest-paid entertainers in the world. But what may come as a surprise is just who the highest-paid wrestlers of all time are. At the top of the list is Jon Moxley, who left WWE in 2019 to join AEW. Moxley was reportedly earning $2 million per year with WWE, but he’s now making much more with AEW.
In fact, Moxley is currently one of the promotion’s biggest stars and has penned a successful autobiography. Another high-earner is John Cena. Cena was earning $10 million per year with WWE before he took a break from wrestling in 2018. However, he’s now back in the fold and is rumored to be earning even more than he did before.
Cody Rhodes – $4 Million
When Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016, many fans thought his career was over. Rhodes had hit a creative dead end in WWE and was looking for new opportunities. What few people knew at the time was that Rhodes was about to embark on the most successful chapter of his career.
Rhodes spent the next two years traveling the world, wrestling for various independent promotions. He also helped launch All-In, an event that set a new attendance record for a non-WWE wrestling show in the United States. In 2020, Rhodes shocked the wrestling world by returning to WWE. While some fans were disappointed that Rhodes was back in WWE, most agreed that he looked better than ever.
Shawn Michaels – $17 Million
After years of wrestling some of the best matches in WWE history, Michaels was able to retire with a very comfortable net worth. Aside from his paychecks from WWE, Michaels has also made a lot of money through merchandise sales and other business ventures. Even after his retirement, Michaels has continued to make money through his work as a trainer in WWE’s developmental system.
He has helped to create and develop some of the biggest names in professional wrestling, including Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. Rollins and Ambrose have both gone on to become world champions in WWE, and there is no doubt that they would not be where they are today without the help of Shawn Michaels.
Chris Jericho – $18 Million
Chris Jericho is one of the most successful and well-known professional wrestlers of all time. He has been a part of the wrestling industry for over two decades and has made a name for himself in each company he’s worked for. Jericho is known for his innovative and creative wrestling style, as well as his ability to entertain fans both in the ring and outside of it.
In addition to his successful wrestling career, Jericho is also a lead singer in the band Fozzy. He has toured the world with the band and has released several successful albums. Jericho is truly a renaissance man, and there is seemingly nothing he can’t do.
Hulk Hogan – $25 Million
Hulk Hogan is one of the most successful professional wrestlers of all time. He has had a huge impact on the wrestling world both in the 80s and 90s and continues to be a massive name even in retirement. Despite several controversies that have dogged his personal life in recent years, Hogan remains a huge draw for wrestling fans all over the world.
Hogan’s success is due in part to his incredible athleticism and charisma. He captured fans’ attention with his Hulkamania persona and continued to be a top player through the NWO days of the 1990s. Even now, after several nostalgia runs in the early 2000s, Hogan remains one of the most popular wrestlers in history.