How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid? Let's Dive In!
Alright, guys, let's talk about something that's been on the minds of wrestling fans for ages: how much do WWE wrestlers get paid? We're going to break down the salaries, bonuses, and perks that our favorite Superstars take home. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how much do wwe wrestlers get paid.
The Main Eventers: Top WWE Salaries
When it comes to the crème de la crème of WWE, the main eventers, the paychecks can be quite impressive. These Superstars typically have the most star power and bring in the most revenue for the company.
John Cena
Let's kick things off with the 16-time world champion, John Cena. According to various sources, Cena's base salary is around $10 million per year. However, his earnings can skyrocket due to his involvement in movies, endorsement deals, and other ventures. Cena's net worth is estimated to be over $60 million, making him one of the wealthiest WWE Superstars.
The Rock
Now, let's talk about the Great One, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The Rock's base salary during his wrestling days was reportedly around $5 million per year. However, his acting career has catapulted him to astronomical heights. According to Forbes, The Rock earned $87.5 million between June 2019 and June 2020, making him the highest-paid actor in the world.
The Mid-Carders: WWE's Workhorse Salaries
Next up, we have the mid-carders – the workhorses of WWE. These Superstars might not be headlining pay-per-views, but they're still pulling in some serious dough.
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is a great example of a mid-carder. According to various sources, Rollins' base salary is around $500,000 per year. However, he can earn additional money through bonuses, merchandise sales, and other incentives. Rollins' net worth is estimated to be around $9 million.
Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair, another mid-carder, has a base salary of around $400,000 per year. Like Rollins, Charlotte can earn additional money through bonuses and merchandise sales. Her net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
The Rookies: WWE's Entry-Level Salaries
Now, let's talk about the newbies – the rookies fresh out of the WWE Performance Center. These wrestlers are just starting their careers and are at the lowest tier of the WWE pay scale.
NXT Graduates
When wrestlers graduate from NXT and move up to the main roster, their salaries typically start at around $250,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the wrestler's negotiating power and the company's assessment of their potential.
Bonuses and Perks: More Money for WWE Superstars
In addition to their base salaries, WWE Superstars can earn bonuses and perks that can significantly boost their earnings.
Merchandise Royalties
WWE Superstars earn royalties from the sale of their merchandise. The exact percentage can vary, but it's typically around 5-10%.
Pay-Per-View Bonuses
Superstars can earn bonuses for appearing on pay-per-views. The exact amount can vary, but it's often around $500,000 per headliner.
Mileage Reimbursement
WWE Superstars travel extensively, and the company reimburses them for their travel expenses. This can add up to a significant amount over the course of a year.
WWE's 50/50 Revenue Split
In 2019, WWE announced that it would be implementing a 50/50 revenue split with its performers. This means that WWE will share half of its live event revenue with its Superstars. This is a significant change from the past and could lead to a substantial increase in earnings for some wrestlers.
The Impact of COVID-19 on WWE Salaries
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on WWE's business, and that has trickled down to the wrestlers' salaries. According to various reports, WWE has cut the base salaries of its wrestlers by 15-20%. However, the company has stated that it will make up the difference in bonuses once live events resume.
How WWE Salaries Stack Up to Other Sports
Now, let's put WWE salaries into perspective. How do they compare to other sports?
NFL
The average NFL player earns around $2.7 million per year. However, the top players can earn significantly more. For example, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract worth up to $477 million in 2020.
NBA
The average NBA player earns around $7.7 million per year. However, the top players can earn significantly more. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James earns $39.2 million per year as part of a four-year, $153.3 million contract.
MLB
The average MLB player earns around $4.1 million per year. However, the top players can earn significantly more. New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton earns $32.5 million per year as part of a 13-year, $325 million contract.
Conclusion: How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid?
So, there you have it, guys – a breakdown of how much WWE wrestlers get paid. From the main eventers to the rookies, WWE Superstars can earn significant salaries and bonuses. However, it's important to remember that the wrestling business is a tough one, and not everyone makes it to the top.
Do you think WWE Superstars are paid enough? Who do you think is the highest-paid wrestler in WWE? Let us know in the comments below!