Just how much money do WWE superstars make?
WWE is undoubtedly an entertainment giant, with revenue of over $600 million this year. The company’s roster not only works on TV for the weekly shows, like Raw and SmackDown, and the monthly pay-per-views (PPVs), but also live events at arenas across the country and around the world.
Add in the movies, video games, merchandise, and other licensing deals, it’s no wonder that WWE’s top talent is rewarded multi-million dollar contracts.
WWE Salaries
So, how much do WWE wrestlers get paid? The short answer: it varies. The company’s main event talent are the top earners. Superstars like John Cena, CM Punk, Triple H, Randy Orton, Undertaker, Sheamus, Big Show, and Kane are reportedly compensated with at least $1 million or more every year.
Superstars earn their base salary by their contract, which are typically 1-5 years long. These contracts can include perks, like first-class airline tickets paid, hotel accommodation, ground transportation, and even use of the company jet. Since WWE wrestlers are on the road most of the year, those expenses can very well add up quickly if not included in the contract.
Low to middle level carders and divas are reportedly paid anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000.
WWE Payroll?
The supposed payroll for the WWE from 2004-2006 was published online, giving us a glimpse into how much the company pays its superstars. Triple H topped the list with a salary of over $2 million a year.
John Cena, Big Show, Shawn Michaels, and Undertaker were the other wrestlers listed as making at least $1 million or more. Most superstars made at least over $100,000.
It’s important to note that these salaries don’t take into account any cuts for merchandise or licensing deals that the superstars earn. WWE wrestlers also get paid bonuses for PPV matches as well. In his book “Undisputed,” superstar Chris Jericho revealed that as main eventers in WrestleMania, the biggest PPV of the year, he and Triple H received a 5-6 figure paycheck for that one match alone.
Official Answer
All we have are old estimates as to how much WWE pays its talent. WWE and its superstars aren’t too keen on releasing any specifics on salaries or compensation.
WWE does have a ‘Setting the Record Straight” page on its website that does address the issue, however, stating, “The average active roster WWE Talent earns more than $550,000 annually, with WWE covering 100 percent of all costs associated with any in-ring related injuries and rehabilitation.”
How much do you think WWE pays its superstars? Do you think they get paid enough? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWE
http://www.wwe.com/inside/standupforwwe/settingtherecordstraight
