10 highest paid WWE superstars in 2015

Ted DiBiase certainly knew the value of a dollar during his time in pro wrestling.Pro wrestlers often battle through days of performing in armories and high school gymnasiums, all with the dream in mind that they will one day hit the big-time. In America, the biggest of big-time opportunities lie in the WWE, where wrestlers make six- and seven-figure salaries.Here are the top 10 highest-paid superstars in the WWE today, with a disclaimer. While these salaries were compiled from various sources, the WWE isn’t exactly forthcoming about such data, and these figures may not include bonuses or incentives from other WWE programming.

#10 Kane - $1.3 million

Kane technically worked as two different characters in the WWE in 2015.

Few WWE superstars have put in the type of work Kane has, and that’s why he’s among the highest-paid at $1.3 million in 2015. The year saw him perform both as the Big Red Machine and Corporate Kane, which shows off his versatility as an entertainer.

While Kane has often been in the shadow of his storyline brother – The Undertaker, and other Attitude Era superstars, he’s highly accomplished. He’s held multiple titles and has been a part of some of the company’s most compelling storylines and title feuds.

#9 Big Show - $1.35 Million

The Big Show has been the WWE’s giant for quite some time now.

The Big Show, formerly The Giant in WCW, cracks the list of highest-paid superstars with an annual salary of $1.35 million, and really, he’s earned that and much more.

Big Show has been willing to work as both heel and face and has won nearly every title that’s been available to him during a lengthy pro wrestling career. What works in his favor is his natural gift of size.

The 7-footer will always be a tempting choice for the WWE writers, particularly against young talent that is intended to look powerful.

#8 Roman Reigns - $1.35 Million

Roman Reigns took an expected leap to the forefront of WWE programming in 2015.

Love him or hate him, Roman Reigns’ $1.35 million salary makes Reigns’ one of the highest-paid of the current crop of WWE superstars, and that number will only get higher in the future.

The now two-time WWE World Heavyweight champion is a clear choice as one of the top stars in the company.

HIs blend of athleticism and brawling resonates well with fans, and his size makes him a believable contender against any opponent on the roster. As a result, he’ll be at or near the top of the card for years to come.

#7 Sheamus - $1.55 Million

Sheamus had a big year in 2015, winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and eventually the World Heavyweight Championship.

Sheamus has been a versatile superstar for the WWE, and that has earned him a solid $1.55 million salary. Further, a big 2015 would seem to suggest the Irish brawler has an even brighter future ahead of him.

As a good-natured face who just liked to mix it up, Sheamus was a believable contender for any belt. But when he returned as a heel after an injury, the Celtic Warrior really took off and became a world championship threat once more, even winning the company’s top belt in 2015.

#6 Brock Lesnar - $2 Million

Brock Lesnar’s physical attributes are nearly unmatched in professional wrestling.

There really isn’t anyone like Brock Lesnar, and that’s why he can command a $2 million salary on his limited schedule. The fact is, Lesnar is a credible threat to win and dominate any performer in any match as soon as he walks in the building.

Lesnar is a physical freak with a legitimate mixed martial arts pedigree and WWE World Championship record, and as a result, he lends credibility to any card he’s on.

As a result, he had all the leverage the last time he negotiated a contract and schedule with Vince McMahon and the WWE.

#5 Undertaker - $2.25 Million

This face is intimidating enough to earn the Undertaker much more than his salary suggests.

It’s somewhat surprising that The Undertaker makes only $2.25 million, as odd as that seems.

While that’s certainly more than enough to live off of, Undertaker has a unique set of circumstances that could work in his favor for more cash potentially.

First, Taker is one of the most iconic figures of the Attitude Era and is still widely revered for his athletic ability at his imposing size. On top of that, he’s performed more than almost any of the other legends in recent years, including the last two Wrestlemanias and three pay-per-view matches in 2015.

Perhaps there are some bonuses not included here.

#4 Randy Orton - $2.45 Million

Although currently injured, Randy Orton is doing well for himself financially.

Randy Orton is one of the most decorated superstars on the roster, and his $2.5 million salary reflects that. The 12-time world champion is the second-highest wrestler who has not reached legend status yet.

The question with Orton is how much longer he’ll be able to wrestle and what role he’ll take on after that, if any. He doesn’t have the charismatic appeal of some of the others above him on the list, so his future earnings with the company may rely solely on part-time performances at major WWE events.

#3 Triple H - $2.7 Million

Triple H plays a central role in various aspects of WWE on television and off the air.

This salary is perhaps the most questionable one on the list, quite simply because it’s hard to be sure what the $2.7 million includes.

Is that just for his role as an on-air performer, or does it also include his other roles in the business operations of the company, both for main-roster programming and the NXT developmental brand?

Either way, one thing is for certain: Triple H will be just fine financially for years to come. He’s bound to continue holding high-ranking posts in the company because he’s married to Stephanie McMahon, and that’s what’s best for his personal business.

#2 The Rock - $2.9 Million

In any role, The Rock can still electrify crowds across the world.

On the surface, this contract might be tough to believe. After all, The Rock spends a vast majority of his time away from the ring, so $2.9 million is a steep price tag.

But in reality, very few performers command the attention that Dwayne Johnson does, whether in a WWE ring or on the red carpet for movies and award shows. And when his movie career allows, The Rock still makes appearances both at live events and pay-per-views, as he did at last year’s Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania events.

#1 John Cena - $5 Million

John Cena has climbed all the way to the top of the financial pecking order in the WWE.

John Cena is quick to remind the WWE that his is the “face that runs the place,” and his salary would suggest that someone believes that is the truth. With a reported yearly figure of $5 million, Cena brings down twice as much as any full-time active wrestler.

But to be fair, no one else on the roster has done what Cena has. For a decade, Cena has been the face of the company and has recently worked to put over young talent and boost the U.S. title.

On top of that, his goodwill appearances for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and other charities presents the company in a good light.