When it comes to WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), there’s no doubt that fans love the wrestlers themselves as much as they love the sport and pageantry.
And the more people love you, the more money you can make wrestling for the WWE! These are the nine best-paid wrestlers in the industry and exactly how much they got paid to put on a great show.
Kurt Angle – $25 Million
Kurt Angle was one of the biggest stars in the WWE in the 90s, winning the D1 Heavyweight Wrestling Championship twice and the gold medal at the WWC in 1995.
While he now works backstage as a producer, he was paid $25 million when signing on as a wrestler 30 years ago.
Hulk Hogan – $25 million
It may surprise some that Hulk Hogan has only made $25 million during his time with the WWE.
Although that’s certainly a lot of money, Hulk Hogan is one of the most well-known men to ever wrestle in the WWE ring. Hogan has had his fair share of drama in the spotlight, but he remains popular among wrestling fans and even still gets in the ring sometimes.
Triple H $40 Million
Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H, won all kinds of accolades for his impressive skills in the WWE ring in the 90s.
He was a beloved wrestler and made an incredible $40 million during his career before moving on to acting and producing, and he’s now the VP of Talent, Creative, and Live Events for the WWE.
Stone Cold Steve Austin – $45 million
From 1989 to 2003, Stone Cold Steve Austin was one of the most beloved wrestlers in the WWE.
After sustaining an injury during his career as a technical wrestler, Austin transitioned to the WWE and became a fan favorite for his beer-drinking bad-boy persona. Over the course of his career, the superstar made $45 million with the WWE.
John Cena – $55 Million
Even those who don’t follow WWE know the name John Cena. He’s become a household name due to his success as an actor and television show host, but he’s made millions from wrestling as well.
Since signing on with the WWE in 2000, the star has made an almost unbelievable $55 million from the sport.
Harley Race $57 Million
Harley Race wrestled for every league in the sport and is one of only six men to be inducted into five Halls of Fame.
Known as “The King” or “Handsome Harley,” throughout his career from 1959 to 1990, Harley made more than $57 million.
Lou Thesz $58 Million
Most people don’t realize that professional wrestling has been wildly popular since the early 1900s. Before there were elaborate costumes and crazy moves, Lou Thesz was the biggest name in the game.
In today’s currency, Thesz would have made an amazing $58 million for his fights in the ring, and he left quite a legacy as the “God of Wrestling.”
Stan Hansen $99 million
Stan Hansen wrestled for the WWE from 1973 to 2001, and he quickly became everyone’s favorite cowboy.
During his long and illustrious career, the star received $99 million from WWE, and he still works there today as a host and in backstage production.
The Rock $280 million
And the highest-paid wrestler of all time is none other than Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson. Before Dwyane Johnson was a famous Hollywood actor, he got his start with WWE.
Since starting his wrestling career in the 90s, The Rock has been paid an amazing $280 million from WWE, in addition to the millions he’s made on the big screen.
