The professional wrestling industry is experiencing an unprecedented financial boom, fundamentally reshaping the earning potential for its top stars. Within WWE, a new class of multi-millionaire performers has emerged, with 2025 industry reports indicating that several wrestlers now command annual salaries well above the $5 million mark. This surge in compensation reflects the company’s record financial performance and a highly competitive talent market.
At the absolute peak of this new salary structure sits Roman Reigns, whose contract nets him a staggering $15 million per year. His ascent to the top of the payroll followed his transformative heel turn in 2020 and a historic 1,316-day run as Universal Champion. Reigns’ current deal, signed after WrestleMania 38, is set to run through WrestleMania 42 in 2026, cementing his status as the company’s principal draw.
Two other competitors share the distinction of earning an annual salary of $10 million: Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Rhodes’ triumphant 2022 return to WWE culminated in him becoming the Undisputed WWE Champion and the clear-cut babyface of the new generation. In contrast, Orton, at 45, represents a highly-valued veteran presence. The 14-time world champion remains in peak physical form and continues to perform at the highest level, justifying his position among the top earners.
Related content
A substantial group of main event players commands salaries between $7 million and $9 million. Seth Rollins, widely considered the workhorse of the modern era, earns $9 million annually. Both Drew McIntyre and the recently returned CM Punk have secured deals worth $8 million per year. McIntyre’s compensation reflects his consistent main event presence and significant international appeal, while Punk’s salary is backed by his massive personal brand and proven merchandise-moving power since his 2023 return.
The $7 million-per-year tier includes Kevin Owens, Finn Balor, and Jey Uso. WWE locked down Owens with a lucrative extension, valuing his versatility and consistent performances. Balor, the inaugural Universal Champion, continues to be a top-tier talent. Jey Uso’s salary represents a remarkable career evolution, as his transition to a singles star in 2024 propelled him to main-event status and a World title victory in 2025.
Rounding out the top ten is Rhea Ripley, who earns $6 million annually, making her the highest-paid woman on the list. Her salary signifies her role as a dominant, headlining star in the women’s division and her consistent placement in top-level storylines.
The salary landscape has also created unique situations for some of the industry’s biggest names. John Cena, now on a part-time retirement tour through 2025, reportedly earns around $12 million annually, though this figure is a composite of his WWE appearances, Hollywood work, and endorsements. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar, previously one of the highest earners, has an uncertain contract status following his 2024 absence from programming amid alleged connections to legal issues involving Vince McMahon.
This dramatic increase in wrestler compensation is a direct result of the industry’s health. The minimum salary for a main roster WWE talent has risen by 40%, from $250,000 in 2022 to $350,000 in 2025. According to analysis from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the competitive environment fostered by the “wrestling war” with AEW has created a bidding war, pushing top-tier salaries to historic levels never before seen in the business.
READ MORE: John Cena References Brock Lesnar at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event
