It’s easy to see why wrestling has millions of fans throughout the world, thanks to larger-than-life personas, well-written plot lines, and immensely absorbing battles. With such high numbers and market, shares come rich television contracts and multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals.
Earnings in other sports, such as the NBA, NFL, and MMA, are open to the public. Earnings and contracts in pro wrestling, on the other hand, are kept a well-guarded secret.
The lack of free agency and collective bargaining, according to many commentators and experts, is to blame for this lack of transparency.
Deals between wrestlers and promoters remain between the two parties since promotions see wrestlers as independent contractors.
Many of the data points were gathered through booking contracts, insider interviews, and pay records. Many wrestlers have made Forbes magazine’s highest-paid athlete lists over the years.
Given their affluent lifestyles, it is unsurprising that many athletes make top pay.
Despite the fact that wrestling does not pay as well as the NFL or the NBA, many wrestlers, like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, still make a lot of money.
Many of the wrestlers on this list are retired wrestlers, wrestlers who have pursued other careers, and wrestlers who occupy various corporate positions in the industry. As a result, here are the top ten richest wrestlers of all time.
1. Vince Mc Mahon: $1.6 Billion
Vincent McMahon Jr. is the wealthiest wrestler of all time, with a net worth of $1.6 billion. Vince McMahon is currently the CEO and Chairman of WWE, the world’s largest wrestling promotion. Vince McMahon is ranked 1517th on Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires.
After working with his father, Vincent McMahon Sr., in the operation of his tiny wrestling business, Vince McMahon Jr. eventually purchased it from his father ten years later.
Vince McMahon’s ingenuity and marketing acumen converted the firm from a localized promotion to a global sensation.
The WWE went public in 1999, and it now broadcasts its shows in over 150 countries. Vince McMahon was equally loved and despised, yet he always delivered on his gimmick and never strayed from his persona.
Vince McMahon was a strong wrestler back in the day and was never hesitant to take on some of the company’s biggest names, despite the fact that he rarely appears in the squared circle nowadays.
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2. Dwayne Johnson: $400 million
Dwayne Johnson, better known by his nickname “The Rock,” dazzled our screens for years as one of the brightest and finest wrestlers of all time. His trash-talking jabs made him a crowd favorite, but they also caused him to conflict with other wrestlers in several situations.
Apart from his great wrestling career, Dwayne Johnson has also proven that he can take on some of Hollywood’s biggest personalities.
Forbes ranked him the highest-paid actor in 2020, topping Will Smith, Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds, and Vin Diesel. The actor earned $23.5 million from Netflix’s critically praised picture Red Notice.
Dwayne Johnson earns a significant amount of money via endorsements and deals with well-known brands such as Under Armor, Apple, and Ford, in addition to his film revenues.
Under Armor are Dwayne Johnson’s clothing, shoe, and headphone line. Let’s just say Dwayne Johnson is on his path to being the richest wrestler in history.
3. Triple H/stephanie Mc Mahon: $150 Million
Because of his domination in the ring, Triple H became a household name and one of the highest-paid wrestlers of all time. Triple H opted to focus more on the management of the company after taking a sabbatical from his wrestling career.
In addition to being an executive vice president of talent, Triple H developed NXT, a WWE subsidiary that focuses on up-and-coming talent.
Triple H has won 14 world titles, three tag team titles, and five intercontinental titles in his storied wrestling career. Triple H married Stephanie McMahon, a professional wrestler and the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, in 2003.
Stephanie McMahon, in addition to her contributions as a pro wrestler, was instrumental in revitalizing the women’s division into what it is now. Her contribution to the realm of sports entertainment has made her one of the most powerful women on the planet.
Stephanie McMahon was ranked the 2nd most influential CMO by Forbes magazine in 2020. Stephanie McMahon is paid in two ways by WWE. One for her on-screen work and the other for her role as a WWE co-owner.
His and Stephanie McMahon’s total net worth is $150 million. They are, without a doubt, the wealthiest pair in pro wrestling.
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4. John Cena: $60 million
John Cena, one of the world’s wealthiest wrestlers, is a household name in both the wrestling and movie industries. John Cena currently has a net worth of $60 million, making him one of the wealthiest wrestlers in history.
His revenues are primarily derived from on-screen appearances and the film industry.
While John Cena’s acting career has not yet reached the heights of Dwayne Johnson’s, he is one of the few wrestlers to successfully move from the ring to the silver screen.
John Cena’s acting credits include Trainwreck, 12 Rounds, Daddy’s Home, and most recently, Suicide Squad 2 and Fast and Furious 9.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that Cena began acting while still in the WWE. During this time, John Cena starred in a number of popular films, including The Marine, which grossed over $30 million at the box office.
John Cena was a successful professional wrestler who held the coveted World Championship belt a record 17 times, making him one of the greatest WWE champions of all time.
5. Steve Austin: $30 million
Despite the fact that the Texas Rattlesnake has been out of the ring for nearly two decades, the WWE has never been able to match Stone Cold’s success. Stone Cold Steve Austin, the greatest wrestler of all time, has a net worth of $30 million.
Stone Cold earned a lot of money as a wrestler due to his skill in the ring and the part he played in bringing in the Attitude Era.
The Attitude Era not only put the WWE on the map but also insured that it became the most successful wrestling organization. All of these variables contributed to a strong cash flow into the company, and it’s reasonable to say that Austin got his fair share as a result of his efforts.
In addition to his normal wage, Steve Austin received a sizable sum through merchandising commissions and film appearances. Stone Cold Steve Austin is likely one of the wealthiest wrestlers of all time, with a net worth of $30 million.
Stone Cold Steve Austin held 19 championship titles towards the end of his successful wrestling career, including 6 WWF World Championships, 4 tag team titles, and 2 WCW heavyweight championship titles.
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6. Hulk Hogan: $25 million
Hulk mania is defined by grandiose boasts, a memorable personality, and strong mic skills. Hulk Hogan, a larger-than-life wrestler, was a household celebrity during the attitude era thanks to his charm, tremendous wrestling skills, and ability to knock down evildoers.
His rise to the top of the wrestling world earned him the title of one of the highest-paid wrestlers of his era. Hulkamania has a net worth of $25 million, making him one of the richest wrestlers of all time.
Hulk Hogan won numerous titles during his illustrious wrestling career, including the World Heavyweight Championship 12 times and the WWF Championship six times.
Hulk Hogan entered the film industry in the 1990s as a result of his immense fame, starring in films such as Rocky III, Mr. Nanny, Gremlins 2, Spy Hard, and Thunder in Paradise.
Gawker was fined $140 million by Hulk Hogan in 2013 after the firm was found guilty of invasion of privacy and infringement of personal rights.
7. Kurt Angle: $25 million
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Kurt Angle was one of the highest-paid wrestlers in the WWE. He was an outstanding professional athlete, Olympic gold medalist, and wrestler.
Kurt Angle began his wrestling career with WCW, but he eventually signed with WWE, where he progressed through the ranks to become one of the top dawgs.
Kurt Angle was hired by WWE as a backstage producer after his retirement from the ring. Kurt Angle presently earns an estimated $350,000 per month, which is less than he did during his wrestling days.
Kurt Angle earned more than $1 million a month as a professional wrestler for the WWE. Kurt Angle made a lot of money through television and film appearances in addition to wrestling.
In 2009, he made his first film appearance as Brad Mayfield in the critically praised film End Game.
He went on to feature in films including Warrior, Pain & Gain, Not Cool, and Sharknado 2.
8. Chris Jericho: $18 million
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Chris Jericho’s spectacular wrestling career saw him not only become one of the highest-paid but also collect 29 titles across the board.
Chris Jericho was a big event wrestler for the WWE, earning $1 million per month plus hefty bonuses from PPV appearances.
Chris Jericho joined the newly formed AEW in 2019. Chris Jericho became one of the highest-paid AEW wrestlers as a result of his new multi-million-dollar agreement.
Chris Jericho, like the majority of his peers, appeared on television and in films.
He had his debut appearance on reality television with Celebrity Duet, when he was ousted in the first round. He made an appearance on the 12th season of Dancing with Stars a few months later, making it to the 6th round and winning $250,000.
Chris Jericho has made a lot of money at the movie office, acting in films including Android Apocalypse, Albino Farm, Sharknado 3, and MacGruber.
Jericho also makes a lot of money through book sales and commissions, being the author of three New York Times best-sellers. Chris Jericho is one of the wealthiest wrestlers in the world, with an estimated net worth of $18 million.
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9. Mick Foley: $18 million
Mick Foley’s versatility allowed him to develop some of the most delightful, as well as some of the strangest, gimmicks/faces in professional wrestling.
From Dude Love to the crazed Man Kind to Cactus Jack, Mick Foley’s various personae made him not only distinctive but also one of the company’s biggest stars.
The WWE did everything it could to keep one of the most entertaining wrestlers on board. Mick Foley, unlike other wrestlers, was not hesitant to put his body and health on the line.
Because hardcore matches were popular among wrestling fans, this made him a highly desirable asset for both WWE and WCW. Mick Foley, a fan favorite, simply demonstrated what genuine dedication meant to future generations.
Mick Foley’s go-to wrestling weapons in the squared circle were barbed wire and thumbtacks.
Mick Foley is currently one of the wealthiest wrestlers in the world, with a net worth of $18 million. His wrestling days provided the most of his earnings.
10. Shawn Michaels: $17 million
While the controversy over whether or not Shawn Michaels is the greatest wrestler of all time rages on, one thing is certain: he is the greatest performer of all time. Shawn Michaels is an actor, comedian, acrobat, and powerlifter who is a one-man show.
Although The Rock, John Cena, and Stone Cold Steve Austin are among the best mic talkers of all time, Shawn Michaels was just as talented during his wrestling days and could easily deliver unforgettable promos.
HBK became one of the highest-paid wrestlers during the Attitude Era due to his unrivaled storytelling talents and Lucha Libre-inspired techniques. Being one of the company’s biggest names meant top-dollar earnings.
Shawn Michaels’ annual WWE compensation was estimated to be $550,000 per month, which, when adjusted for inflation, would be $1 million in 2021.
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Andrew Walker is the Chief Editor at “Landscape Insight” and has a background in journalism. He has been writing for Landscape Insight on a wide range of Entertainment topics including Celebrity Net Worth, Controversies, Web Series & Movie Updates, etc. When he isn’t writing, Andrew enjoys playing video games and baseball. You can reach Andrew at – [email protected] or by Our website Contact Us Page.
