Who Are The Richest Wrestlers?
When you were a kid your dream was to be a professional athlete. You either wanted to play in the NBA, MLB, NFL or NHL. For later generations, they may have been interested in the MLS or some other domestic soccer league around the world. No one ever said, “I want to be a pro wrestler”. Perhaps the youth of the world should start re-thinking their professional athlete destination of choice when they grow older.
Professional wrestling is as popular as it has ever been and the show are getting paid… seriously paid. Now to some, it’s sacreligous to call a professional wrestler an athlete, but let’s face it – these dudes are athletes – well paid athletes.
Don’t believe me? Check out some of the world’s richest wrestlers….
The Undertaker – Net Worth: $16 million
Mark ‘The Undertake’ Callaway is a product of longevity. He’s been in the wrestling business for close to 30 years, 22 of which have been in the WWE. He’s no longer a full-time wrestler at 48-years young, but he’s headlined multiple Wrestlemanias and that has earned him a hefty paycheck. He’s an icon in the business and his net worth reflects it.
Shawn Michaels – Net Worth: $17 million
Remember when Shawn Michaels was part of ‘The Rockers’ and you loved him? His character changed several times over the years, but one thing is for sure – the dude made some money. He’s another one who has been in wrestling for close to 30 years. Michaels did suffer from injury and addiction that almost derailed his career, but he managed to get himself back on track and make a strong career for himself.
Kurt Angle – Net Worth: $20 million
Let’s revisit that professional wrestlers are or are not athletes conversation shall we? Kurt Angle won an Olympic Gold Medal in the 1996 Summer Games. He would go on win every title the WWE had to offer and then become TNA’s centerpiece. He also suffered from chronic injuries and substance abuse, but he’s had an incredible run as a professional wrestler. At one point he was the highest paid WWE star in the business and the jewel signing of TNA.
Triple H – Net Worth: $25 million
Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque played the game better than anyone else. He had a terrific run as a WWE star and married the boss’ daughter Stephanie McMahon (who is soon to be worth billions when her father passes away). With Vince McMahon’s son Shane leaving the business Triple H is the heir to the throne. Of course, he’s made tons of money as the centerpiece of the WWE and as a multi-headliner for Wrestlemania, but let’s be serious – his wealth is going to skyrocket because of his marriage to Stephanie McMahon.
John Cena – New Worth: $35 million
Hate him or love him, he’s a big reason the WWE has been so successful over the past decade. Cena himself has headlined the event almost every year since 2005. Cena’s popularity and success is unparalleled in the industry. He’s made more in 10 years than most professional wrestlers make their entire careers.
Stone Cold Steve Austin – Net Worth: $45 million
The post-Hulk Hogan era was carried by Steve Austin and he has the net worth to prove it. Stone Cold broke many of the legends records including pay-per-view buys and merchandise sales. Austin had a very concentrated run as a revenue generating machine between 1996-2003. He, of course, went on to make the most of it by appearing in movies and doing other activities that have contributed to his net worth.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – Net Worth: $70 million
Well, duh.. As if you didn’t know who was going to be #1. Yes, Hulk Hogan is the man when it comes to wrestling, but Johnson is THE MAN. The guy was a revenue generating machine between 1996-2004, but would go on to turn his life into dollar signs post-WWE. Believe it or not, ‘The Rock’ was top-grossing actor overall last year. Yes, I couldn’t believe it either. Wrestling set the guy up and the rest is history.
*We didn’t include Hulk Hogan because he’s not currently active. However, he was on the winning end of a $31 million settlement with Gawker Media.
Images via Getty
