Like other “wrestling promotions”, WWE shows are not actual competitions. It is known as an entertainment-based performance theater, featuring scripted, script-based, and partially choreographed stunts.
However, it’s not all fake fun. Some matches often include moves that can put performers at risk of injury or even death if not performed correctly. McMahon, in 1989, recognized this aspect of professional wrestling from WWE in order to avoid being imposed on athletic commissions.
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And it’s been an interesting year for the decades-old company. A highly anticipated merger between Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment was finalized in September 2023, forming TKO Group Holdings – a new $21.4 billion combat sports and entertainment powerhouse that has begun trading on the Stock Exchange from New York. For McMahon, however, things didn’t go as well. Earlier this year, he ended his ties to the company amid a sex trafficking scandal.
So, after all these years of fake fights, real relationships and career launches, which WWE icons are the richest in 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth?
8. Hulk Hogan, 70 years old
Estimated net worth: US$25 million
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In recent years, his fortune has seen ups and downs. His infamous Gawker.com settlement initially amounted to US$140 million, but was ultimately reduced to US$31 million, before taxes. He also lost much of his wealth during his messy divorce from his ex-wife Linda.
Hulk has also since admitted that he spent “hundreds of millions” on an extremely lavish lifestyle during the height of his career, according to British media. So he could have ranked much higher on this list if he had played his cards better.
7. Stacy Keibler, 44
Estimated net worth: US$25 million
She has also appeared as a character in over 10 wrestling video games, including the WWE WrestleMania and WWE SmackDown games. It is worth noting that a large part of her net worth of US$25 million comes from her marriage to Internet technology executive Jared Pobre.
6.Steve Austin, 59 years old
Estimated net worth: US$30 million
Throughout his career, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has earned numerous accolades, including world championships and Royal Rumble victories. His rebellious nature and memorable catchphrases made him a fan favorite and one of the most beloved figures in WWE history.
It’s no surprise that he’s a regular on TV and film, earning millions from his appearances in films like Longest yard, The convicted And The Expendables. He is also a successful reality TV host, hosting the CMT show. Redneck Island and its own competition, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge.
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5. John Cena, 46 years old
Estimated net worth: US$80 million
John Cena is a global superstar not only in wrestling, but also in acting, music, and television, officially becoming one of the most iconic WWE figures of all time.
Cena’s wrestling career remains the cornerstone of his income, but the appeal of his global brand and his numerous business ventures have propelled him to another level of fame and wealth compared to other wrestlers. He has since become a leading actor and television presenter, hosting shows like Are you smarter than a fifth grader? on Nickelodeon and even making an appearance in the barbie movie.
4. and 3. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, 54 years old and Stéphanie McMahon, 47 years old
Estimated combined net worth: US$250 million
Stephanie McMahon, known as the “Billionaire Princess” of WWE, is the daughter of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and former Small Business Administration administrator Linda McMahon. Stephanie currently reportedly owns 2.5 percent of WWE’s total stock and has a significant 5 percent voting power.
Her husband, Triple H, is the chief content officer of WWE and a former world champion. In 2022, Triple H announced his retirement from wrestling, instead taking on a management role within the company. As Executive Vice President, Talent, he continues to contribute to the company’s growth and his own wealth.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 51
Estimated net worth: US$800 million
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is undoubtedly the biggest star to ever emerge from the WWE Universe, transitioning effortlessly into Hollywood over the years. These days, The Rock is one of the highest-paid entertainers on the planet, earning millions per year from his various movie and endorsement deals.
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1. Vince McMahon, 78 years old
Estimated net worth: US$2.8 billion
Vince McMahon is best known for being the former chairman, CEO and majority shareholder of WWE. McMahon reportedly began working for his father at the Capitol Wrestling Corporation in the 1970s, when he began promoting a wrestling show. He served as an in-ring announcer for matches and became the go-to play-by-play commentator. Over the years, McMahon became the godfather of WWE and helped make wrestling a household name around the world.
But his time with the company was briefly interrupted in recent months. McMahon resigned from his role as executive chairman of the board of directors of TKO, the new merger between WWE and UFC, in January following sexual assault allegations. What will happen to its remaining billions — $2.8 billion, to be exact, according to Forbes — remains to be seen.