The Richest WWE Stars And the Contracts That Shocked Fans

When you think of the WWE, you think of the dramatic flares, wild entrances, and body slams. But while the industry fronts these shows, it’s often about money moves behind the scenes. And guess what? The richest WWE stars may not be who you think.

In this post, we would take a look at some of the most expensive WWE contracts that have taken the industry by storm. We would also look at notable names and why they did to earn this ridiculous amount of money.

How WWE Contracts Have Evolved Over Time

From part-time legends to superstar influencers, here are some of the richest wrestling entertainers and their exotic contracts that shocked fans.

John Cena

Talk about the WWE’s golden era, and John Cena will probably be the poster boy. His influence in the industry is evergreen, and you’ll still find fans going bonkers whenever he makes an appearance. But Cena’s legacy goes beyond dishing out attitude adjustments in the ring since he also unsurprisingly makes the list as one of the wealthiest superstars in the industry. His CA$80 million net worth solidifies his place on the list, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

In 2010, Cena signed a 10-year exclusive deal that rewards him handsomely for every appearance and also gives him a cut from merchandise sales. So much so that as of 2016, he was already CA$13.7 million annually. But beyond the industry’s paychecks, his wealth is bolstered by several solid roles in Hollywood blockbusters and brand endorsements. But then, it all stems from his WWE influence, and the man himself has admitted it on multiple occasions. According to Cena, “That feeling of being an ambassador for the company… it is priceless.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Here’s another name that defined several generations in the WWE and earned the big checks to go with. At a jaw-dropping CA$1.1 billion net worth, Dwayne Johnson is easily one of the richest WWE stars ever. He’s also credited with negotiating some of the first multimillion-dollar deals in the industry, pioneering the Hollywood crossover, and showcasing an enduring star power. According to statistics, his CA$2.7 million contract in 1999 was unheard of at the time and definitely had fans gasping. But it’s just a fleeting shadow compared to the massive checks he now commands from brand deals, endorsements, and award-winning acting roles.

Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns may not be on the same pedestal with The Rock and John Cena yet in terms of fame and wealth, but the records show that he’s definitely no pushover. As the leader of the Bloodline and a 4-time WWE champion, Roman Reigns is already a household name in the industry, and his CA$28.5 million net worth puts him up there among the richest.
But it got even better in 2022 when he signed a contract that significantly reduced his wrestling appearances while keeping him as the highest-paid active full-time performer. There has also been interest in him from casino brands looking to tap into the wrestling fan base. With this, these brands can introduce themed games around the wrestler and mirror the appeal of the ring. We have also seen some of these $1 minimum deposit casino Canada leveraging on sports and entertainment to provide a quality gaming experience for Canadian players.

Brock Lesnar

Brock was one name that completely terrified his opponents and wowed fans endlessly during his years of dominance. The Beast Incarnate, as he’s commonly called, may be slightly past his prime now, but his paychecks aren’t. His part-time deal after his return to SummerSlam meant he’d only have to make limited appearances in the industry as a whole, while still pocketing an extraordinary CA$16.5 million per year. His net worth currently stands at CA$34 million, which effectively puts him among the wealthiest superstars in WWE.

Ronda Rousey

Certain female wrestlers have also endeared themselves to fans across the WWE universe, even making names for themselves as superstars. But one rise to stardom that particularly shocked fans was that of Ronda Rousey. When the MMA star made the move to WWE in 2018, she became an instant hit, winning championships, headlining events, and taking the women’s division to new heights.

As Ronda herself so confidently declared, “the days of treating the women’s division as a peripheral act are over”. Beyond her influence in the ring, Rowdy’s CA$2.05 million annual check made her the highest-paid female wrestler at the time. And with a net worth of about CA$19.5 million, she remains one of the richest WWE superstars in both the men and women categories.

Triple H

Of course, there’s no talking about the wealth and influence of WWE stars without mentioning ‘The Game’ himself. Triple H was undoubtedly the force to reckon with during his day as a WWE heavyweight champion. But then, the power move that secured his status as a financial juggernaut in the industry was his transition to cooperate. As an executive, his contract saw him earn a mouthwatering CA$3.83 million per year. So he didn’t just call the shots, but he also saw his net worth hit CA$205 million thanks to executive bonuses, stock options, and legacy royalties.

Conclusion

From modest paychecks and handshake deals to multimillion-dollar contracts, the WWE has no doubt come a long way. Now, the top stars are no longer just wrestlers, but global brands stringing in revenues beyond the ring. But in all this, the industry has always found a way to keep events enjoyable and the crowds entertained.

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