Pro wrestling isn't really a Sport – I'm sure that is one thing we can all agree on, but nevertheless, the Money made in the sport is absolutely real, to the tune of millions actually. Many of these wrestlers that a lot of us watched on T.V. as we grew up (or are still watching them) made it big through WWE and went onto bigger and better things as new opportunities arose. WWE is what propelled them to their fortunes, regardless of what people think, as many of these wrestlers have gone onto performing in Commercials, Movies, TV shows, and many other media related activities (Even to the extent of writing Books!).
Being a Pro wrestler isn't as cut and dry as many of you may think, considering how the WWE is structured and how the earnings is structured. All of these wrestlers are Independent contractors and are paid for how much revenue they generate for the WWE, in terms of Pay-per-View sales, Merchandise sales, and how many appearances they make throughout their careers and the amount of pull they have in attendances and such. Its clear that many of these wrestlers are their own Brands, and as you will soon see, they have clearly capitalized on their likability and characters.
Some household names that you would expect to see on this list (Hulk Hogan, etc) have had a lot of their wealth either taken by a divorce or their spending habits got the best of them throughout the years, leaving them with substantially less than the others.
10. Mick Foley – Net Worth: $15 Million
Mick Foley has had quite the career in terms of accomplishments. After his WWE days came to a slow down, Foley took up quite a few other hobbies that propelled him to the #10 position on our Richest Pro Wrestlers list. Foley has worked as an Actor and Voice Actor, Comedian and even authored a handful of books in his day. Foley lacks no ambition with all these endeavors and his bank account is no different, having starred in over 28 appearances in Films and TV shows. Thumbs up to Mick for taking life by the horns after his Glory days and embracing it fully.
#9 The Undertaker – Net Worth: $16 Million
The Undertaker tops the list at #9 with $16 million Net worth and with a career spanning over 20 years in the industry. The Undertaker hasn't had a huge media career after his wrestling days as Mick did, but he has investment his money wisely in Real Estate endeavors that have paid him handsomely over the years giving him the opportunity to continually grow his fortune. He also has established himself as a Animal welfare contributor by funding the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical sciences which helps save dogs of the large-breed when seeking medical attention.
#8 Shawn Michaels – Net Worth $17 Million
Shawn Michaels was known as the “Heart Break Kid” to the WWE and fans alike and caused quite a bit of controversy In and Out of the ring throughout his years. Between 96′-98′, Michaels was seen as a drug abuser and every had moments on Television where he was clearly far gone. His career took a small brake when he encountered his back injury in 1998 but later returned in 2002 after his back healed from the surgery he had undergone. Some people have even come to the conclusion that his break between 98′ and 02′ was not a career-ending event but rather a time to come clean and come out of his wild lifestyle. He has since come back and is now the WWE ambassador and greatly respected in the eyes of all WWE fans.
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#7 Chris Jericho – Net Worth $18 Million
Chris Jericho's $18 million dollar net worth stems not only from his WWE days, but also from the accomplishments on other stages. Chris is part of the band Fozzy and has been in 7 out of 8 of their albums and was a guest in another one. He also has his own XM Satellite Radio station name “The Rock of Jericho” and has starred in Various Broadcast Television shows and has a New York Best seller book that was released in 2007. Talk about accomplishments. On top of this all, he's serving Canada proud as a native Canadian.
6. Kurt Angle – Net Worth: $20 Million
Kurt Angle had a beginning like no other – Having Won an Olympic Gold medal in 1996 and having the opportunity to try for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, Angle decided to stick to wresting though, as this was his true passion. In 1998, Angle joined the WWF/E and started dominating immediately, which spurred his career nicely and eventually gave him the edge over many of his competitors. On December, 30th 2014, Angle re-signed with Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling (TNA) for another Contract which propelled him to our #6 Position in the Top 10 Richest Wrestlers.
#5 Big Show – Net Worth: $20 Million
Big Show is the 2nd highest Salaried Wrestler in the WWE, only surpassed by John Cena in 2014 and has his own Luxury Tour Bus that he travels in (Could be due to his size and not wanting to fly commercially). Big Show has a 10 Year contract with WWE and enjoys his off-time in beautiful Sunny Tampa. Big show has Won tons of Championships (7 in total thus far, more could come) within the WWE and is enjoying his career in the WWE. Big Show has also actively been involved in Acting in a hand full of Moves as well, adding to his total Net Worth.
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#4 Triple H – Net Worth: $25 Million
Triple H has set himself rather well, considering he's Stephanie McMahon husband, who is Vince McMahon Daughter. (For those of you that dont know, Vince McMahon is the owner of WWE). Many people are speculating that Triple H and Stephanie will eventually inherit the WWE in the future, but only time can tell realistically whats going to happen to the company. Tripe H does however own $1.5 Million in WWE Stock, if that's an indicator of what might happen in the near future (Hint: He might be in the #1 Position sooner or later).
#3 John Cena – Net Worth: $35 Million
At Age 37, John Cena Tops the list at #3 and is continually growing. Cena's father was in the Wrestling business and also had an impact on his ealier life by exposing him to the sport early on. Cena joined the WWE in Feb. 2002 and 2 years won his first championship against The Big Show. Cena soon became the poster boy for the WWE with his chiseled body and defining features. Cena tops the list of WWE top salaries at 2.75 Million in 2014 and a 10 year contract. This has helped propel him to the 3rd spot in our Top 10. Cena is also known for starring on NBC's hit show, Celebrity Apprentice and having released his own Rap-Album that debuted in the U.S. Billboard charts at #15. Cena has also featured in a couple films, all adding to his bottom line and raising his net worth considerably.
#2 Stone Cold Steve Austin – Net Worth: $45 Million
Steve Austin, “The Texas Rattlesnake” who officially changed his name from Steve Williams, has been continually dominating the TV charts any time he steps in the Ring. He was attributed to raising WWE's TV ratings and Pay-Per-View buys significantly throughout his years and all his fights and more importantly, his and Vince McMahon (WWE Owner) public disagreements and bouts. Despite's all of Austin's achievements in the Ring and on Screen, considering he has been in TV shows and some rather major films including Expendables and Grown Ups 2, he has a little more than half of the net worth of the Top holder.
#1 The ROCK – Net Worth: $70 Million
Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock”, is by the far the most recognizable Pro Wrestler to date with his infamous Grin and Eye-Brow raise, he cant be missed. The Rock capitulated to fame through the WWE and has starred in over 50 T.V. Shows and some very well known movies, including Fast and Furious 6 and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, along with many other Hits. Dwayne Johnson Net worth has skyrocketed over his peers due to his Film/TV career taking off and he appears to be playing in movies that are featuring his “Features”.
Jeff enjoys Basketball, Football and Lifting Weights when he's not Working or Freelancing.
