While many people are curious as to why and how World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has such a massive following, avid fans of professional wrestling have an easy answer. Wrestling is more than just a thrilling, theatrical sport filled with super-fit athletes. There are so many other factors that contribute to its greatness, not the least of which being its mystery, crazy storylines, epic heroes and villains you love to hate.
Wrestling is a captivating combo of athletic prowess and theatrical antics that allows stories to be played out in a ring instead of on a big screen. In the past, people have compared WWE plotlines to daytime TV dramas and soap operas, and we couldn’t agree more. Wrestlers certainly love their drama! Needless to say, this wildly popular form of entertainment will remain successful in the years to come. In honor of this much-loved sport, we’ve rounded up a list of professional male and female wrestlers so we can spill the details on their net worth, what they’re up to now, and all the drama, both inside and out of the 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 first wrestler kicked off his career with a simple nickname – The Giant. As the years passed by, however, he earned himself the newer, catchier title, Big Show. A seven-time world champion, Big Show’s decorated wrestling career has also landed him some acting gigs.
TUGBOAT (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Fred Ottman is commonly referred to as Tugboat or Typhoon. Needless to say, the former ally of Hulk Hogan was an absolute beast in his heyday. He later created and was a member of a group called The Natural Disasters (hence the name Typhoon). In 2001, he resigned from the wrestling industry and ventured into a surprisingly ordinary career as a safety manager in Florida.
At 61 years of age, Typhoon is now enjoying his retirement. He also serves as a coach for the little league teams his sons play in. Although his net worth is unknown, we’re sure Fred is A-okay thanks to his successful wrestling career.
KANE (Net Worth: $9 MILLION)
For Glenn Thomas Jacobs, age is just a number. His number may be getting up there at 51, but he is still an active member of WWE. Also known as Kane, Jacobs occasionally performs for the SmackDown brand and has established himself 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)
If you’re a WWE enthusiast, you probably knew that James Brian Hellwig was the notorious Ultimate Warrior. He also went by the nicknames The Warrior or the Dingo Warrior. Hellwig was so involved with his character that he changed his real name to Warrior in 1993.
Before he passed away, rumors were rife that the real Warrior had died a long time ago and a look-alike wrestler was fighting under his name. Though this wasn’t the case, Warrior did die in 2014 due to a heart attack. He was 54 years old.
RICK FLAIR (Net Worth: $3 MILLION)
We can’t think of anyone who doesn’t know Rick Flair. He earned a massive following throughout his four-decade career and is still regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in history. Flair won the world championship title 16 times (although if you ask him, he’ll tell you it was 21).
Like many other wrestlers, Flair made many appearances on television. Despite his fame and fortune, he experienced tough times, most notably when his son passed away. A professional wrestler like his father, Reid died after overdosing on heroin and Xanax.
MACHO MAN (DECEASED)
Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, you’ve probably heard of Macho Man. Randy Savage is still considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Needless to say, this strong guy had an enviable wrestling career that lasted 32 years, earning him an astonishing 29 titles.
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)
Óscar Gutiérrez, aka Rey Mysterio, was popular for his characteristic masks related to Mexico’s Lucha Libre wrestlers. His extraordinary wrestling style earned him much fame back in the ‘90s and early 2000s. In his ten years as a pro wrestler, Gutiérrez won major titles, including 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)
Tammy Lynn Sytch, known to wrestling fans as Sunny, is one of those people who let fame and fortune get the best of her. She battled with drug and alcohol addiction for years, eventually leading to her arrest and imprisonment in 2017.
As you might expect, WWE cut her contract immediately. There are rumors that Sunny is trying to get her life together now and that she will undergo rehab yet again. We wish her a healthy and peaceful life moving forward.
RAZOR RAMON (Net Worth: $3 MILLION)
Patience is a virtue and hard work pays off – just as Scott Oliver Hall. He became a professional wrestler back in the 1980s and spent almost a decade working his way up before finally debuting in his first WCW and WWF matches in the 1990s.
Since then, Razor Ramon has enjoyed the limelight and managed to win the WWF Intercontinental Champion four times. Reportedly, he is facing serious health issues and has been admitted to the hospital many times for double pneumonia, seizures, and low blood pressure. We wish you a speedy recovery, Mr. Razor Ramon!
CHYNA (DECEASED)
Another force to be reckoned with was the mighty Joan Marie Laurer, known in the wrestling world as Chyna. She made her debut for WWF during the 1990s and was the first woman to compete at the King of the Ring and Royal Rumble matches. Now that’s girl power!
Chyna was a pioneer for female wrestlers and was one of the first to take the bodybuilding aspect of the game seriously. Soon after her retirement from the ring, Chyna released an autobiography. She also dabbled in the adult industry. Sadly, she joins the ranks of wrestlers who died young, passing away in 2016 due to a drug overdose.
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 first marriage ended tragically when her husband passed away in a car accident. Her second marriage ended in a quick divorce due to irreconcilable differences. Finally, in 2006, she found a man who seems like a perfect match for her – fellow wrestler Brock Lesnar. The two are still happily married.
THE GREAT KHALI (Net Worth: $16 Million)
Standing at 7 feet 1 inch tall, the Great Khali surpasses his opponents as one of the tallest professional wrestlers in history. Before he decided to lay down the law in the ring, Dalip Singh Rana worked for the Punjab State Police.
Though he’s resigning from the wrestling industry, Khali is determined to pass down his knowledge and skills. To facilitate this, he built his own school (Continental Wrestling Entertainment) back in 2015. But, it seems like he’s still got some juice in his wrestling battery – the intimidating fighter returned to WWE in 2017 and helped his friend Jinder Mahal in the Battleground. Did we mention that the Great Khali is also a TV celebrity in the US and India?
SID VICIOUS (Net Worth: $5 MILLION)
Sid Eudy, also known as Sid Vicious, hails from the older generation of professional wrestlers. He has been active in the wrestling world since the 1980s, kicking off his career at World Championship Wrestling and then becoming a member of the WWF and WWE.
Sid Vicious won a few championship belts during his years as a pro wrestler. He is now 57 years old and retired, but when he was 51, he was still fit enough to compete. And compete he did, showing the world that age doesn’t have to hold you back from your goals.
THE COACH (Net Worth: $2 MILLION)
Unlike many others, Jonathan Coachman did not bid goodbye to the spotlight when he retired from wrestling. He serves as a color commentator on the Raw brand, and in a surprising move, he re-signed with the WWE in 2018. We are eagerly waiting to see if this will be a thrilling comeback or an epic fail.
The Coach is happily married with two children. His net worth is about $2 million, but will likely increase when the deal he just inked takes effect. Can you believe he’s 45 years old?
MIDEON (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Dennis Knight is best known in the ring as Mideon, Tex Slazenger, and Phineas I. Godwin. The retired professional wrestler earned wide recognition for his appearances in World Champion Wrestling from 1992 to 1994. Post-retirement, Knight trains students at a wrestling school in his hometown of Tampa, Florida.
After his retirement in 2006, he also became a chef in Clearwater, Florida. Interested in trying Mideon’s cuisine? We bet this meticulous fighter cooks everything to perfection!
SKINNER (Net Worth: $1.5 MILLION)
Known as Skinner in his heyday, Steve Keirn is another wrestler who represents the older generation of the sport. He made various appearances with the World Wrestling Federation and was a member of The Fabulous team.
Like many others, Skinny retired from wrestling. However, his love for the sport did not vanish. As a matter of fact, he started his own school for wrestlers during the 1980s. He is 66 years old now, but he stays in good shape. He is happily married and currently lives in Florida.
SCOTTY 2 HOTTY (Net Worth: UNKNOWN)
Scott Ronald Garland is famous under the ring names, Scott Taylor and Scotty 2 Hotty. He became a coach in the WWE Performance Center after his time in the ring came to an end.
He tried to change his career paths, enlisting for firefighter training in 2013. But the bright lights and screaming fans of wrestling were calling his name, so he decided to re-sign with the WWE in 2016. In an interview, Scotty 2 Hotty said he is taking care of himself much more than he was in the past and is fitter now than he’s ever been.
KELLY KELLY (Net Worth: $1 MILLION)
Another female wrestler on our list is Barbara Jean Blank, who in the ring as Kelly Kelly. Aside from wrestling her way to fame and fortune, she also works as a model and TV 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)
If you’re an avid fan of wrestling, you probably know Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Well, he is the owner and CEO of WWE. You would think that his jobs are more than enough to handle already, but Mr. McMahon thinks otherwise.
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)
Did you know that Rodney Agatupa Anoaʻi, better known as Yokozuna, was the first wrestler of Samoan descent? He is also the only Samoan wrestler to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
His unexpected death in 2000 came when he was touring around Europe. Yokozuna died in his hotel room and it was speculated that his weight caused him to have a heart attack. In the end, his cause of death was recorded as pulmonary edema. He was 34 years old at the time. By the way, his ring name was a reference to the highest rank in sumo wrestling.
GOLDBERG (Net Worth: $14 MILLION)
One wrestler who really left a mark during the 1990s was William Scott Goldberg, who fought under the ring name Goldberg. This 51-year old wrestler, actor, and former football player rose to fame when he remained undefeated for a full year (from 1997 to 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)
Another prominent figure in the wrestling world is Jacqueline DeLois Moore. Aside from being a professional wrestler, Jacqueline is a professional wrestling manager. She was the third woman to achieve a Cruiserweight Championship title in the WWE. Back in 2016, she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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 retired professional wrestler who achieved some impressive feats during his time in the wrestling industry. He left when his injuries became too much of a burden on his body.
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)
It’s time to talk about Dwayne Douglas Johnson, aka The Rock. Johnson became a household name thanks as much to his wrestling prowess as his flourishing acting career. It seems that he excels in anything he puts his mind to.
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)
Michael Francis Foley has been variously referred to as Mick Foley, Dude Love, Cactus Jack, and Mankind throughout his career. He retired from professional wrestling a tad early as he decided to pursue a different career path in the entertainment industry. He appeared in several movies, TV series, and on radio shows as well.
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 good to know that many retired professional wrestlers are enjoying their normal life outside the ring. Joining the list is David Michael Bautista Jr. More than just a professional wrestler, Batista is also 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)
Born Terre Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan is one of the best and most popular wrestlers of all time. Indeed, he is one of the select crew of early professional wrestlers who helped shape the industry. Aside from his wrestling career, he also ventured into other fields connected to the entertainment industry. He even managed to become a television personality by appearing on numerous TV shows.
Hulk Hogan was successful in almost everything he tried. Apart from launching his own energy drink, he also runs the Hogan Nutrition website that provides advice on diet and supplements. In 2007, he went through a rough divorce, almost losing everything he had. Thankfully, he managed to recover, and despite his age, he is still in good shape.
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)
Did you know that Amy Dumas (aka Lita) is also a talented singer? In 2006, she retired from wrestling, though she is still signed to WWE as an analyst.
Following her retirement from professional wrestling, Lita formed a punk band called The Luchagors. Her band released their first album after a year. Staying true to her healthy lifestyle, she follows a vegan diet. She has been romantically involved with Matt Hardy and Joseph Copeland but is yet to find the one she wants to settle down with.
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)
Joining our list of significant women wrestlers is Debrah Ann Miceli who appears as Alundra Blayze and Madusa. She was the first woman to be named the Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year (in 1988).
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)
Aside from being a six-time world champion, Robert Booker Tio Huffman (aka Booker T) held 21 other titles in his wrestling career. Following his retirement from wrestling, he became a commentator and a promoter (jobs that he still does today).
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)
Business executive and actor Paul Michel Levesque is better recognized by his ring name, Triple H (which stands for Hunter Hearts Helmsley). His marriage to Stephanie McMahon in 2003 moved him into the heart of the McMahon dynasty.
Triple H is now executive vice-president of talent, live events, and creative. With an annual salary of $1.5 million, his fortune is growing steadily. Though he distributes much of what he earns to a good cause. He and his wife created Connor’s Cure, a cancer fund named in honor of an 8-year old who died from cancer.
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)
Christopher Michael Benoit’s story is perhaps the most tragic in wrestling history. He gained public attention when he murdered his wife and son on June 22, 2007. Two days after their gruesome murder, he killed himself by hanging. He was working as a professional wrestler at the time.
The family’s horrible death baffled the public and there were speculations that depression and brain damage caused by his career might have provoked the murders. When WWE learned about the horrific murder-suicide, they did simply removed Benoit’s name and all references to him from their website.
TRISH STRATUS (Net Worth: $6 MILLION)
Meet the youngest member of the WWE to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – Patricia Anne Strategies or Trish Stratus! Aside from her professional wrestling career, Stratus has worked as a fitness model, actress, and TV personality.
The Canadian fitness model has graced multiple magazine covers over the years. After retiring from wrestling in 2008, she built her own yoga studio. It seems she chose her post-wrestling career wisely as her business was named the best yoga studio of the year in the 2013 Top Choice Awards. Like many of her fellow wrestlers, Stratus donates both time and money to charitable organizations.