10 Best Pro Wrestlers Of All Time (In Terms Of Making Money)
When it comes to making big money in the world of wrestling, the below names immediately jump to mind. Not only have they commanded huge salaries and royalties during their active careers, but many have also parlayed their wrestling fame into lucrative opportunities outside the ring. From movie careers to business investments, these wrestlers represent the highest earners both in and out of the squared circle.
RELATED: 10 Richest Wrestlers In WWE History (In Kayfabe)
Let's count down the 10 wrestlers who have proven to be the shrewdest and most successful at turning their wrestling profiles into giant bank accounts. The list includes iconic WWE wrestlers who have become household names and some surprise entries who maximized their earning potential. While in-ring talent is important, these wrestlers also understand the financial side of sports entertainment.
10 Diamond Dallas Page
After getting a later start in wrestling, Diamond Dallas Page made up for lost time in terms of earnings. His optimistic personality and "Diamond Cutter" finisher connected with fans. But beyond the ring, DDP has made even bigger money from his fitness program DDP Yoga.
Page adapted yoga for wrestlers and fitness enthusiasts, which exploded in popularity and helped many people recover from injuries. Jake Roberts credits Dallas and the program for saving his life.
9 The Bella Twins
The duo of Nikki and Brie Bella have been two of WWE's most famous female stars over the past decade. In addition to wrestling income, they have monetized their fame through reality shows, YouTube channels, books, and various business ventures.
Their mainstream popularity and savvy financial sense land them on this wealthy list.
8 Batista
After becoming one of WWE's biggest stars in the 2000s, Batista secured his finances by succeeding in Hollywood. His role as Drax in the Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy films alone has likely netted Batista tens of millions.
RELATED: Batista's Career Told In Photos, Through The Years
Throw in other movie paydays, and "The Animal" has plenty in the bank.
7 Hulk Hogan
As wrestling's biggest star of the 80s, Hulk Hogan reaped plenty of rewards for his success. He parlayed that into movies, a reality show, merchandise, and more to become one of the wealthiest wrestlers ever.
Despite controversies later in life, Hogan's decades of earnings put him high on this list.
6 Steve Austin
"Stone Cold" was WWE's biggest box office attraction during the 90s boom. His Austin 3:16 shirt is notoriously regarded as the highest-selling piece of merchandise ever sold by WWE. Austin made fortunes not only from wrestling but also from acting in action movies and hosting various TV shows.
Steve was also one of the early pioneers of pro wrestling podcasts, reaping tons of sponsorship dollars. The Texas Rattlesnake continues to sell merch and make appearances today.
5 John Cena
In terms of active wrestlers, John Cena is likely the top earner. His tremendous longevity as the face of WWE in the PG Era brought in big bucks.
RELATED: Top 10 Movies & TV Shows Starring Pro Wrestlers, Ranked
And similar to The Rock, Cena has proven to be a bankable movie star in films like Trainwreck and The Suicide Squad. Cena is a profit machine in wrestling, movies, and merchandise.
4 Triple H
Marrying the boss' daughter has its perks, but Triple H earned his fortune too. A top star dating back to the 90s, Triple H continues to work a full WWE schedule as the head of creative.
He recently netted a large payday for his involvement in the WWE-UFC merger and also directly contributes to WWE's bottom line. His role in NXT has unlocked new revenue streams as well. "The Game" knows how to play the game of making money.
3 Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon has been a part of her father's business for her entire life. She worked her way up, quickly working in an executive capacity and holding a large amount of company stock.
Plus, backstage, Steph may very well be the most respected McMahon with numerous wrestlers, writers, and producers praising her leadership and collaboration skills over the years.
2 The Rock
The Rock transcended wrestling to become one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He reportedly earns $20 million or more per movie now.
Combined with his years as one of WWE's most popular performers ever, he built a vast fortune and business empire. His estimated net worth? A whopping $800 million. With that, he is on pace to become pro wrestling's first wrestler-turned-billionaire.
1 Vince McMahon
As the former owner and CEO (and sometimes wrestler) of WWE, Vince McMahon is worth billions on paper. The latest WWE-UFC merger puts Vince back on the billionaire's list. Without question, he is the most important figure in the industry's history. Any wrestler's wealth owes a debt to the empire McMahon built.
The 10 wrestling figures on this list represent the elite earners who have generated massive wealth from their wrestling stardom. From legendary veterans to more contemporary stars, they have built their brands through savvy business decisions and leveraging their popularity. While the actual numbers may vary, there's no doubt these men and women are at the top in terms of dollars and cents. Their financial success stories demonstrate how wrestlers can secure their futures if they play their cards right.
