Highest paid WWE wrestlers of 2017

Sports

WWE superstars are among the highest paid combat fighters in the world despite the scripted nature of their sport.

Forbes magazine determined the paycheck the 10 highest paid wrestlers went home with for their work in the ring for 2016.

The list is topped by Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton and may more. However household named like Kane and Big Show are out of the top ten having made the list last year.

READ ALSO: Nigeria's D'Tigress crowned champions of Africa after tense final against Senegal

Forbes calculated the wrestler's earnings by adding up their basic salary, as well as bonus payouts for both live performances and merchandise sales.

1. Brock Lesnar ($12m)

His paycheck is down from what he received the previous year but Lesnar is still the top draw for pay-per-views in WWE.


Brock Lesnar. Photo: MMA fighting
2. John Cena ($8m)

He was top dog the year before but his reduced role in the company due to Hollywood schedule's and a shoulder injury made Lesnar go top.


Despite his increasing role in Hollywood, John Cena is still one of the top dogs in WWE. Photo: WWE
3. Triple H ($3.8m)

His pay is a combination of wrestler pay for in-story COO Triple H and executive compensation for real-life EVP of talent, live events and creative.


Triple-H (left) with his wife Stephanie McMahon. He has taken more of a backroom role with the company in the past three years. Photo: Wrestling observer
PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest sport news on NAIJ.com sport app

4. Roman Reigns ($3.5m)

One of the most divisive wrestlers is also one of the most marketable and most booked in many pay-per-views per year and that shows in his pay check.


Roman Reigns was a former world champion with WWE. Photo: WWE/Youtube
5. Dean Ambrose ($2.7m)

The Fringe Lunatic is one of the most loved wrestlers on the roster and was the most booked in weekly episodes and PPVs last year.


Dean Ambrose is a current Raw tag-team champion with Seth Rollins. Photo: WWE
6. AJ Styles ($2.4m)

AJ Styles joined WWE little over two years ago and he was considered the best wrestler in the world for a long time. He is marketable and the best talent on the roster.


AJ Styles is the current United states champion. Photo: WWE
7. Shane McMahon ($2.2m)

His paycheck comes from his role as the on-screen commissioner of WWE's weekly television show SmackDown Live.


READ ALSO: McGregor lasts 10 rounds against undefeated Floyd Mayweather in the money fight

8. The Undertaker, Seth Rollins ($2m)

The Undertaker might be retired but the paycheck he received earlier this year is mouth watering. He is one of the best wrestlers ever and also one of the most marketable.


The Undertaker retired after his defeat to Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 34. Photo: WWE
His action figues sell well in WWE. Meanwhile Seth Rollins is just at the start of his career but also making moves.


Rollins is now one half of RAW tag team champion with Deam Ambrose. Photo: WWE
10. Randy Orton ($1.9m)

The Viper has been with the company for more than ten years and his legacy is assured. His run as world champion in 2016 help him alot and contributed to his huge paycheck.