How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Make?
How much do WWE wrestlers make? With their intense matches, larger-than-life personas, and global fanbase, WWE wrestlers are some of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.
From headlining major pay-per-view events like WrestleMania to starring in TV shows and movies, these athletes work hard inside and outside the ring. But what exactly do they earn for their efforts?
In this blog, we’ll break down how WWE wrestlers make their money, from base salaries to event bonuses, merchandise royalties, and more.
How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Make?
WWE, one of the largest sports entertainment companies, is known for paying its wrestlers handsomely, but how much do they actually make? Wrestler salaries can vary significantly based on experience, popularity, and the wrestler’s brand value. Let’s dive into the details and explore how much WWE wrestlers earn, how they are compensated per match, and how female WWE stars compare in earnings.
1. How Much Money Do WWE Wrestlers Make?
WWE salaries vary widely depending on the wrestler’s role, brand value, and involvement in merchandise sales. Here’s a breakdown:
Source: Forbes
Main Roster Stars
- Roman Reigns: $5 million annually, excluding bonuses. Reigns has headlined numerous events, which add a significant amount to his total earnings.
- Brock Lesnar: $12 million annually. His part-time status means he works fewer dates but still commands one of the highest salaries due to his immense drawing power.
- John Cena: While he is now semi-retired, Cena still commands around $8.5 million annually when he makes appearances.
Average WWE Wrestlers
The average salary for a WWE wrestler on the main roster is around $500,000 annually. Mid-level wrestlers often make between $150,000 – $300,000, supplemented with merchandise royalties and performance bonuses.
Developmental Wrestlers (NXT)
Developmental wrestlers make significantly less, usually earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. These figures rise dramatically once they are promoted to the main roster.
2. How Much Do Female WWE Wrestlers Make?
Source : WWE
Women wrestlers have seen an impressive rise in earnings in recent years, thanks to WWE’s increased focus on promoting its female talent. While the average WWE salary for women remains lower than that of their male counterparts, some female wrestlers have become top earners.
Top-Paid Female WWE Wrestlers in 2024:
- Becky Lynch: $3 million annually. She’s currently the highest-paid female wrestler, known for her strong in-ring performances and high merchandise sales.
- Charlotte Flair: $2 million annually. Flair’s long-standing dominance in the ring and championship reigns place her among the top earners.
- Ronda Rousey: Ronda’s tenure in WWE included a base salary exceeding $1 million annually due to her pre-WWE fame and involvement in major storylines.
Other notable female wrestlers’ earnings:
- Bianca Belair: $500,000
- Iyo Sky: $500,000
- Asuka: $350,000
- Liv Morgan: $250,000
The income of female wrestlers often includes bonuses from merchandise sales, pay-per-view events, and appearances on WWE shows.
3. How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Make Per Match?
WWE wrestlers don’t just rely on their base salary. A significant portion of their income comes from live events and pay-per-view matches, particularly during major events like WrestleMania or SummerSlam.
- Top stars like Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar can earn up to $500,000 per match during big pay-per-view events. These figures include bonuses tied to ticket sales, merchandise, and pay-per-view revenue.
- Mid-level wrestlers often earn between $10,000 – $20,000 per match for main roster appearances.
- NXT stars (the developmental division of WWE) make significantly less, often around $1,000 – $2,000 per match until they are promoted to the main roster.
Bonuses are generally tied to performance and the event’s size, meaning a match at a big event like WrestleMania can pay significantly more than a regular TV match.
Factors That Influence WWE Wrestlers’ Earnings
- Merchandise Sales: Wrestlers get a percentage of merchandise sales, which can significantly increase their income. Top stars with popular merchandise, such as t-shirts and action figures, earn hefty royalty checks.
- Pay-Per-View Bonuses: Wrestlers are compensated based on the event’s success. The more people who buy the pay-per-view, the bigger the bonus.
- Sponsorship and Licensing: WWE stars also earn through video game appearances and licensing deals for items like action figures or t-shirts.
- Live Event Performance: Wrestlers earn additional money for appearances at non-televised live events, often receiving a portion of the gate sales.
How WWE Wrestlers Earn Through Merchandise Sales
Merchandise sales play a major role in generating income for WWE wrestlers. Popular stars with merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or action figures can earn a percentage of each sale.
Royalty Structure:
- Individual Wrestlers: Wrestlers typically receive 25% of net receipts from merchandise sales featuring only their likeness. Top stars may negotiate higher percentages.
- Group Merchandise: If a product features more than one wrestler, the royalty share is split among them.
- Top Sellers: Wrestlers with strong fan followings, like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Becky Lynch, often rake in millions from merchandise royalties.
How Much Do WWE Wrestlers Make From Pay-Per-View Events?
Pay-per-view events are where WWE stars often earn the most money. Wrestlers earn bonuses based on their placement in the match card, with main event performers receiving the highest bonuses.
Event Bonuses:
- Main Event Stars: Wrestlers in the top matches of major PPV events can make up to $500,000 per event.
- Mid-Card Wrestlers: Wrestlers further down the card can earn $10,000 to $50,000 per PPV event.
- NXT Wrestlers: Developmental wrestlers earn much smaller bonuses, typically between $2,000 and $10,000 for appearing in NXT Takeover events.
Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid If They Are Injured?
Injuries are common in professional wrestling, and WWE has provisions for how its wrestlers are compensated if they’re unable to compete.
WWE’s Injury Policy:
- Wrestlers who are injured and unable to perform for more than six weeks may see their salary reduced by 0.5% per house show or TV taping missed.
- Medical expenses and rehab costs are covered by WWE.
- Despite reduced salaries, injured wrestlers often continue to earn from their merchandise sales and other non-performance-related bonuses.
How WWE Wrestlers Make Extra Money? Sponsorships and Appearances
Beyond their base salary and bonuses, WWE wrestlers have opportunities to earn extra income through sponsorship deals, media appearances, and external projects.
- Sponsorship Deals: Some WWE stars, like Roman Reigns and Sasha Banks, have sponsorship deals that boost their income.
- Film and TV Appearances: Wrestlers like John Cena and The Rock have made millions from starring in movies, while others make guest appearances on TV shows, further increasing their earnings.
- Non-Wrestling Appearances: WWE stars are often paid for appearances at fan conventions, media events, and corporate meet-and-greets.
How Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid Compared to Other Sports Entertainers?
While WWE stars make significant money, how do they compare to athletes in other sports?
Comparison with Other Athletes:
- WWE vs. UFC: Top UFC fighters like Conor McGregor have reportedly made up to $10 million per fight, similar to what top WWE stars like Brock Lesnar make annually. However, most UFC fighters earn far less per event than WWE’s main roster stars.
- WWE vs. NFL/NBA: Top NFL and NBA players like Patrick Mahomes or LeBron James make over $40 million per year, which dwarfs WWE salaries. How much NFL players get is comparatively similar to WWE players . However, WWE wrestlers often have more revenue streams such as merchandise and media appearances.
Conclusion
WWE wrestlers make substantial money, but their total earnings depend on multiple factors like popularity, merchandise sales, and performance bonuses. While top-tier stars like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch earn millions, average wrestlers still take home respectable salaries in the range of $500,000 annually, supplemented by match bonuses and merchandise royalties.
As WWE continues to grow, especially with more emphasis on its female division, the gap in gender pay is narrowing, with stars like Becky Lynch leading the charge.
