The reason why World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) enjoys such extensive popularity might be puzzling to many, but ardent followers of professional wrestling find the answer quite straightforward. Wrestling is not merely an exciting sport featuring physically superior athletes. There are countless other aspects that enhance its appeal, which include its enigmatic nature, wild plotlines, legendary heroes, and detestable villains.
Wrestling is an enthralling fusion of athletic skill and dramatic performances that allow narratives to unfold in an arena rather than on a movie screen. It mirrors daytime television dramas and soap operas in its storylines, an opinion we heartily concur with. There’s no denying that wrestlers have an affinity for drama! It’s safe to predict that this widely admired form of amusement will continue to enjoy success in the future. To celebrate this widely adored sport, we’ve compiled a directory of professional male and female wrestlers in order to share information about their earnings, current activities, and all the theatrics, both within and outside the wrestling ring.
BIG SHOW (Net Worth: $20 MILLION)
As a crowd-favorite, he’s appeared in quite a few films and TV shows. His last movie appearance was in a comedy titled Knucklehead. Here’s one interesting fact about Big Show: he’s barely spent any of his career earnings and is currently holding an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Our initial wrestler started his professional journey with an easy-to-remember moniker – The Giant. Yet, as the sands of time slipped by, he scored a fresher, more memorable alias, Big Show. Proving his prowess with seven world championship titles, Big Show’s illustrious wrestling journey has also paved the way to acting opportunities.
TUGBOAT (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Fred Ottman, best known by his ring names Tugboat or Typhoon, was once a dynamic force in the wrestling world and a close comrade of Hulk Hogan. He later established and joined The Natural Disasters, a fitting name given his pseudonym, Typhoon. After leaving the wrestling circuit in 2001, Ottman transitioned to a surprisingly regular profession, working as a safety manager in Florida.
Typhoon, now 61 years old, is now happily retired. In addition to enjoying his retirement, he also spends his time coaching the little league teams that his sons play on. Despite his net worth being unclear, we’re confident that thanks to his prosperous wrestling career, Fred is in a good financial position.
KANE (Net Worth: $9 MILLION)
At 51 years old, Glenn Thomas Jacobs, better known as Kane, doesn’t let age slow him down. He remains an energetic presence in the WWE, and although he now only sporadically appears for the SmackDown brand, he has successfully transitioned into roles as a businessman, politician, and actor.
He landed a role in See No Evil, which was quite a big hit, and in 2018, he managed to win the hearts of Knox County residents who elected him as their mayor. Proving that he’s the king of versatility, Glenn is also an insurer. That said, it should come as no surprise that he has an impressive net worth of $9 million.
THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR (DECEASED)
As an ardent WWE fan, you likely already know that the infamous Ultimate Warrior was actually James Brian Hellwig. He was also often referred to as The Warrior or the Dingo Warrior. So invested was Hellwig in his stage persona, that in 1993, he legally changed his birth name to Warrior.
Prior to his demise, speculations were widespread that the authentic Warrior had died some time ago and an imposter wrestler was representing him in the ring. However, this wasn’t true. Warrior did, indeed, meet his end in 2014 as a result of a heart attack at the age of 54.
RICK FLAIR (Net Worth: $3 MILLION)
It’s hard to imagine anyone not familiar with Rick Flair. Garnering a huge fanbase over his 40-year career, Flair is still considered one of the best wrestlers of all time. Flair lays claim to the world championship title 16 times, though he’ll attest to winning it 21 times if you ask him.
Flair, akin to his wrestling peers, was frequently seen on the television. Regardless of his celebrity status and substantial wealth, he wasn’t exempt from life’s hardships, particularly the tragic loss of his son. Reid, who followed in his father’s wrestling footsteps, lost his life to an unfortunate overdose of heroin and Xanax.
MACHO MAN (DECEASED)
You may not follow wrestling, but chances are you’re familiar with Macho Man. Known as one of the all-time wrestling greats, Randy Savage’s wrestling career spanned over three decades, during which he amassed an impressive 29 titles. Even those with only a slight interest in wrestling cannot deny the significance of his accomplishments.
Like many of his fellow wrestlers, Macho Man appeared in movies and TV shows, such as Ready to Rumble, Spider-Man, and Baywatch. Sadly, he died in a car crash in 2011. The autopsy showed that the likely cause of the crash was a heart attack.
REY MYSTERIO (Net Worth: $10M)
Known by his ring name, Rey Mysterio, Óscar Gutiérrez gained popularity for his distinctive masks reminiscent of Mexico’s Lucha Libre wrestlers. His remarkable wrestling techniques brought him significant recognition in the ‘90s and early 2000s. In his professional wrestling career that spanned a decade, Gutiérrez secured multiple prestigious titles, such as the World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Cruiserweight Championship, and the WWE Championship.
Interestingly, the King of Mystery looks exactly as he does ten years ago! He is still in wrestling today and his trademark masks only get better as the years go by. Rey Mysterio has also been spotted on independent wrestling shows like Black Destiny Wrestling, House of Glory, and QPW.
SUNNY (Net Worth: $300K)
Famed wrestling personality Sunny, whose real name is Tammy Lynn Sytch, is an example of how popularity and wealth can lead someone down a destructive path. Her struggle with substance abuse lasted many years, ultimately resulting in her conviction and incarceration in 2017.
Unsurprisingly, WWE swiftly terminated her contract. Word has it that Sunny is attempting to rebuild her life and may soon enter rehab once more. We hope for her recovery and serenity in her future life.
RAZOR RAMON (Net Worth: $3 MILLION)
The story of Scott Oliver Hall exemplifies the virtues of patience and perseverance, proving that they do indeed yield fruitful results. Embarking on his journey to become a professional wrestler in the 1980s, Hall devoted nearly ten years to honing his skills. This dedication began to pay off in 1990s when he finally made his debut in his first WCW and WWF matches.
Ever since his rise to fame, Razor Ramon has basked in the spotlight, securing the WWF Intercontinental Champion title four times. Unfortunately, he is reportedly grappling with severe health complications and has had multiple hospitalizations due to double pneumonia, seizures, and hypotension. Here’s to a swift recovery, Mr. Razor Ramon!
CHYNA (DECEASED)
Joan Marie Laurer, popularly known as Chyna in the wrestling domain, was a formidable force. She joined the WWF in the 1990s and broke barriers as the inaugural woman to battle in the King of the Ring and Royal Rumble matches. Indeed, this is a true testament to female power!
Chyna was a trailblazer for women in wrestling, embracing the physical fitness component of the sport like few others. Following her retirement from wrestling, she authored an autobiography. In addition to this, she explored work in the adult film industry. Regrettably, she became another member of the wrestling community to die at a young age, tragically succumbing to a drug overdose in 2016.
SABLE (Net Worth: $1.5 MILLION)
Joining Chyna in our roster of women of strength is Rena Marlette Lesnar. Also known as Sable, the fiery blonde was one of the first WWE Divas. She gained massive popularity, not just as a wrestler, but also as a model. Sable also tried her hand at acting, appearing in various movies like Corky Romano and Pacific Blue.
Her initial marriage came to a tragic end as the result of her husband’s unexpected demise in a vehicular mishap. The subsequent marriage was short-lived, ending in an abrupt divorce owing to irreparable disagreements. However, in 2006, she finally met her ideal partner – a fellow wrestler named Brock Lesnar. The couple remains in marital bliss till today.
THE GREAT KHALI (Net Worth: $16 Million)
At an impressive height of 7 feet 1 inch, the Great Khali towers over his competitors, making him one of the tallest wrestlers in the history of the sport. Prior to choosing a life dominated by wrestling ring battles, Dalip Singh Rana served in the Punjab State Police.
Despite his decision to retire from the world of wrestling, Khali is committed to imparting his expertise and abilities. With this aim in mind, he established his own institution, Continental Wrestling Entertainment, in 2015. However, it appears he hasn’t completely exhausted his wrestling vitality, as the daunting athlete made his comeback to WWE in 2017, supporting his ally, Jinder Mahal, at the Battleground. Additionally, are you aware that the Great Khali enjoys celebrity status on television in both the US and India?
SID VICIOUS (Net Worth: $5 MILLION)
Sid Eudy, better known by his ring name Sid Vicious, originates from the previous era of professional wrestlers. He embarked on his wrestling journey in the 1980s, beginning his career with World Championship Wrestling before moving on to participate in WWF and WWE.
Throughout his professional wrestling career, Sid Vicious claimed several championship titles. Although he’s currently 57 and no longer competing, he maintained his fitness level to compete up until he was 51. Back then, he proved to everyone that one’s age doesn’t necessarily preclude them from pursuing their ambitions.
THE COACH (Net Worth: $2 MILLION)
Jonathan Coachman is a unique character who didn’t step out of the limelight upon retiring from wrestling. He currently provides insightful commentary for the Raw brand. Raising eyebrows, he decided to recommit to WWE in 2018. We all wait with bated breath to see whether his return will be a stunning success or a grand flop.
The coach is joyfully wedded and a father of two. He has an estimated wealth of around $2 million, but this number is expected to rise following the recent contract he secured. Isn’t it surprising that he’s already 45 years old?
MIDEON (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Dennis Knight, also renowned by his ring names Mideon, Tex Slazenger, and Phineas I. Godwin, is a retired professional wrestler who made a name for himself in World Champion Wrestling from 1992 to 1994. In his post-retirement life, Knight is involved in teaching aspiring wrestlers at a training school in his native city of Tampa, Florida.
Following his 2006 retirement, he pursued a culinary career in Clearwater, Florida. Curious to sample Mideon’s dishes? We’re sure that this precise fighter turns every meal into a masterpiece!
SKINNER (Net Worth: $1.5 MILLION)
Steve Keirn, also popularly known as Skinner during his prime, represents the prior era of wrestling. He frequently featured with the World Wrestling Federation and belonged to the esteemed team, The Fabulous.
Skinny, similar to many of his contemporaries, has stepped away from the wrestling ring. That said, his passion for wrestling is by no means diminished. He actually opened a training institution for aspiring wrestlers in the 1980s. Currently at 66, Skinny still maintains a healthy physique. Leading a contented life with his married partner, he resides in Florida presently.
SCOTTY 2 HOTTY (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Renowned for his ring names, Scott Taylor and Scotty 2 Hotty, Scott Ronald Garland gained fame. After concluding his wrestling career, he took up the role of a coach at the WWE Performance Center.
In 2013, he attempted a career shift by signing up for firefighter training. However, the allure of wrestling, with its shimmering lights and cheering crowds, beckoned him, leading him to rejoin the WWE in 2016. Scotty 2 Hotty, in a conversation, stated that his current self-care routines have substantially improved compared to the past, and he is now in the best shape he has ever been.
KELLY KELLY (Net Worth: $1 MILLION)
Barbara Jean Blank is another female wrestler on our roster, known in the ring as Kelly Kelly. In addition to building a successful wrestling career, she also earns fame and wealth by working as a model and television personality.
She retired from the WWE in 21012 but still manages to get a great deal of public attention. Kelly Kelly made many appearances on television, most famously on E! and Days of Our Lives. By the way, did you know that she has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading?
MR. MCMAHON (Net Worth: $1.7 BILLION)
For those who are deeply into wrestling, Vincent Kennedy McMahon is likely a familiar name. He is the mastermind behind the WWE, holding both ownership and CEO positions. Despite what one might imagine, being consumed with these roles, McMahon seems to believe they’re manageable.
The businessman, film producer, and actor is also the founder of Alpha Entertainment. Now we understand where his whopping $1.7 billion net worth comes from! He was also named on Forbes magazine‘s annual list of billionaires. The mega-rich wrestling magnate owns several mansions and a yacht, among other luxuries.
YOKOZUNA (DECEASED)
Were you aware that Rodney Agatupa Anoaʻi, widely recognized as Yokozuna, was the inaugural wrestler of Samoan heritage? Additionally, he is the sole wrestler of Samoan lineage to have clinched the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
He unexpectedly passed away while touring Europe in 2000. Yokozuna was found deceased in his hotel room, and there were suspicions that his significant weight contributed to a heart attack. Ultimately, his official cause of death was listed as pulmonary edema, and he was only 34 years old when he died. Interestingly, his wrestling name, Yokozuna, was inspired by the topmost title in sumo wrestling.
GOLDBERG (Net Worth: $14 MILLION)
William Scott Goldberg, known in the wrestling ring as Goldberg, undoubtedly made a significant impact in the 1990s. This individual, now 51 years old, has worn many hats as a wrestler, actor, and even a former football player. He came into the spotlight by maintaining an undefeated record for the whole year from 1997-1998.
A popular figure during the 90s, Goldberg has also appeared in various films and television shows such as Universal Soldier: The Return and Family Guy. He is doing very well for himself nowadays and enjoys spending time with his family. He also owns a gym with an amateur boxing facility in California.
JACQUELINE (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Jacqueline DeLois Moore is a significant personality in the realm of wrestling. Not only is she a professional wrestler, but she also manages other wrestlers. She made history as the third woman to clinch the prestigious Cruiserweight Championship title in WWE. Moreover, she was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Like many famous WWE wrestlers, Moore has appeared in a number of different video games. She also worked as a trainer on the MTV reality TV show Tough Enough. As she nears her 60s, Jacqueline still looks fabulous, which is obviously the result of her regular exercise and healthy lifestyle.
STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN (Net Worth: 45 MILLION)
Stone Cold Steve Austin is a former professional wrestler whose accomplishments during his tenure in wrestling were quite remarkable. However, he had to retire when the injuries he sustained got too severe for him to cope with physically.
Austin’s estimated net worth of $45 million does not come as a big surprise. Aside from being a six-time WWF Champion and the winner of 19 other championships, Austin also focused on his acting career after retiring from the ring. He made many appearances in movies and TV shows, including Nash Bridges and The Expendables.
THE ROCK (Net Worth: $220 MILLION)
Let’s begin a discussion on Dwayne Douglas Johnson, popularly known as The Rock. Johnson rose to fame due not only to his extraordinary wrestling abilities but also his successful acting career. It appears that he excels in every endeavor he embarks upon.
Time magazine named him as one of the most influential people in the world, which is unsurprising when you consider how many successful business ventures he has to his name (not to mention his net worth of $220 million). Dwayne may be a tough guy, but he has a soft heart. In fact, he founded the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation that helps terminally ill children.
MICK FOLEY (Net Worth: $15 MILLION)
Throughout his career, Michael Francis Foley has been known by several aliases such as Mick Foley, Dude Love, Cactus Jack, and Mankind. He cut short his professional wrestling career to venture into the entertainment sector. Foley has made numerous appearances in film, television series, and radio shows.
Foley even appeared as Mankind in one episode of the TV series Boy Meets World. In real life he has a big heart does a lot of charity work, mostly to help children in need. These days, he is doing very well for himself and lives a happy life with his wife and four children.
BATISTA (Net Worth: $13 MILLION)
It’s refreshing to learn that numerous retired pro wrestlers are leading typical lives beyond the wrestling arena, and David Michael Bautista Jr. is one of them. Notably, Batista is not only a seasoned wrestler, but he also wears hats of a mixed martial artist, a bodybuilder, and an actor.
After ending his wrestling career, Batista pursued an acting career and appeared in several movies like Riddick, Spectre, The Man with the Iron Fists, and as ‘Drax’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There was a company that was investigated for prescription drugs and claimed that he was using steroids. The accusations could not be validated and Batista denied everything.
HULK HOGAN (Net Worth: $25 MILLION)
Terre Gene Bollea, widely known as Hulk Hogan, is arguably one of the greatest and most renowned professional wrestlers in history. He belongs to a unique group of pioneering wrestlers who molded the business. Besides wrestling, Hogan pursued various other endeavors within the showbiz sphere. He was even able to establish himself as a TV personality, with appearances on a multitude of television programs.
Hulk Hogan has had an impressive track record of successful endeavors. His accomplishments include kick-starting his energy drink brand and also operating the Hogan Nutrition website offering diet and supplement recommendations. However, in 2007, he experienced a tumultuous divorce that nearly cost him everything. Fortunately, he was able to bounce back. Even at his current age, he still maintains good health and physical condition.
RANDY ORTON (Net Worth: $11 MILLION)
One extraordinary wrestler on this list who never grows tired of the sport is Randy Orton. Aside from competing in SmackDown, he is gearing up to have a promising acting career. Indeed, he’s already appeared in the comedy-drama That’s What I Am.
You may also have seen Orton on Jimmy Kimme Live! and Deal or No Deal. In 2007, he was accused of using steroids but never made any official comments on the claim. In 2013, he divorced his first wife, Samantha Speno, marrying Kimberly Kessler two years later.
EDGE (Net Worth: $14 MILLION)
Adam Joseph Copeland, better known as Edge, became an actor after retiring from professional wrestling. He appeared in the fantasy film Highlander: Endgame and WWE Studios’ Bending the Rules. He is considered one of the best wrestlers in the history of the WWE, and with 31 championships under his belt, is also a member of the wrestling Hall of Fame.
Did you know that Edge hates cigarettes? He tried smoking when he was a teen but hated it so much that he never touched one again. In 2004, he wrote and published his autobiography titled Adam Copeland on Edge.
LITA (Net Worth: $4 MILLION)
Are you aware that the gifted vocalist, Amy Dumas, otherwise known as Lita, is also a renowned figure in the wrestling industry? She stepped back from her wrestling career in 2006 but continues to be affiliated with WWE in the capacity of an analyst.
After retiring from her wrestling career, Lita created a punk group known as The Luchagors. A year later, the band released their debut album. Consistent with her commitment to health, she adheres to a plant-based diet. While she has had romantic relationships with Matt Hardy and Joseph Copeland, she is still searching for her life partner.
SHAWN MICHAELS (Net Worth:$17 MILLION)
Four-time world champion wrestler Michael Shawn Hickenbottom is better known by his ring name, Shawn Michaels. He is a two time WWE Hall of Famer and has won the Royal Rumble twice. After retirement, the professional wrestler ventured into the acting industry and became a television presenter. You may have seen him in the 2017 film The Resurrection of Gavin Stone.
Today, Michaels is known as the main ambassador for WWE. He also hosts an outdoor show about hunting animals called Shawn Michaels’ MacMillan River Adventures. He is happily married to his second wife, Rebecca, with whom he has two children.
ALUNDRA BLAYZE (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Debrah Ann Miceli, also known by her ring names Alundra Blayze and Madusa, is a notable figure among women wrestlers. She set a precedent in 1988, becoming the first woman awarded the title of Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year.
Madusa has a great love for monster trucks and has been collecting and driving them for years. When she left the wrestling industry, she became an actress and appeared in movies like Shootfighter II and Death Match.
BOOKER T (Net Worth: $5 MILLION)
In addition to his six world championship titles, Robert Booker Tio Huffman, also known as Booker T, has bagged 21 other championships during his time as a wrestler. After retiring from the wrestling ring, he transitioned into roles as a commentator and promoter, positions he still holds to date.
Booker T’s estimated net worth is $5 million and this is likely to increase in the coming years thanks to his appearances in 27 video games. He also has two published books and several movie gigs to his name. Curious about Booker T’s acting skills? Check him in Ready to Rumble, and if you can dig it up, an episode of Charmed.
TRIPLE H (Net Worth:$40 MILLION)
Paul Michel Levesque, a business executive and actor, is more commonly known by his stage name, Triple H, an acronym for Hunter Hearts Helmsley. Tying the knot with Stephanie McMahon in 2003 positioned him at the center of the McMahon family empire.
Triple H currently holds the position of Executive Vice-President of Talent, Live Events, and Creative, where he earns a yearly salary of $1.5 million, thus steadily increasing his wealth. Despite this, he generously donates a significant portion of his income to charitable causes. Together with his wife, he founded Connor’s Cure, a fund dedicated to cancer research, named in memory of an 8-year-old who tragically lost his life to the disease.
STACY KEIBLER (Net Worth:$4.5 MILLION)
Stacy Kiebler is more famous as an actor than a wrestler. Over the years, she’s managed to snag gigs on popular TV shows such as How I Met Your Mother, What About Brian, and George Lopez.
In 2013, she hosted Supermarket Superstar and appeared on Runway. Her stunning looks caught the eye of George Clooney and she dated him for a while. However, she eventually settled down with Jared Pobre. The happy couple now has two children together.
CHRIS BENOIT (DECEASED)
The tale of Christopher Michael Benoit is arguably the most heartbreaking in the annals of wrestling. The public became aware of him when he committed the horrific acts of killing his wife and son on June 22, 2007. He then took his own life by hanging two days after their brutal murder. At the time of these events, he was employed as a professional wrestler.
The tragic demise of the family left the public puzzled, with suspicions that the murders may have been triggered by depression and cerebral damage from his career. Upon discovering the appalling murder-suicide incident, WWE responded by eradicating Benoit’s name and all coincidences associated with him from their website.
TRISH STRATUS (Net Worth: $6 MILLION)
Introducing Patricia Anne Strategies, also known as Trish Stratus, the youngest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame! In addition to her illustrious professional wrestling journey, Stratus has also ventured into fitness modeling, acting, and television hosting.
The fitness model from Canada has appeared on numerous magazine fronts throughout the years. Following her retirement from wrestling in 2008, she established her own yoga studio. Her decision post-wrestling turned out to be very prudent as her studio was recognized as the best yoga studio for the year in the 2013 Top Choice Awards. In the same vein with some of her wrestling colleagues, Stratus is known for her generosity in donating her time and resources to various charity organizations.