WWE: 10 Wrestlers With Salaries You Won’t Believe

1. John Cena, $3 Million, First Class Travel (Including Private Jet Access) And Accommodation (Owner Of Personal Tour Bus), 6.25% Bonus For Merchandise Sales


It will come as no surprise that the biggest star of the last ten years is far and above the holder of the best WWE contract. Cena is the star of the show, nearly always the main event, and his pay reflects this. $3 million is a great reward for Cena, and given his increasing time out injured in the last five years, the downside is a superb number for John. Pretty much a legitimate mainstream celebrity, the $3 million is certainly a reflection of Cena’s market worth. Numbers do not lie, ratings and pay-per-view buys drop without John Cena.
Merchandise is another key aspect of Cena’s contract. If you go to any WWE live event, you will know that Cena merchandise is huge. It’s everywhere, and huge swathes of the audience are kitted out in expensive Cena gear. The fact that Cena has got a 6.25% bonus on these sales will make John considerable money over the year. WWE doesn’t give Cena a tour bus, but he does own one. However, the fact is Cena makes so many appearances that WWE will often just book him on a private jet.
Outside of the WWE, Cena is also making huge money in other investments. He recently launched a new fitness lifestyle website, and estimates his “John Cena brand” to be worth over $100 million.
In the wrestling industry, only Vince McMahon and The Rock are worth more than WWE’s franchise player. However, I’ve discounted them from this list, along with others like Triple H and Brock Lesnar on the grounds that they’re part-timers or part of the company management.