From the Ring to Riches: WWE's Top 5 highest paid wrestlers in 2025

Time of India

07-07-2025

WWE
's biggest stars aren't just dominating the ring - they are raking in massive paychecks like never before. In 2025,
Roman Reigns
leads the pack as WWE's highest-paid wrestler, followed by
Cody Rhodes
and
Randy Orton
, both of whom have had main event success and crossover appeal.
Rounding out the top five are
Seth Rollins
and
Drew McIntyre
, whose WWE stardom continues to grow alongside his social media empire.
These superstars are not only headlining pay-per-views but also commanding multi-million dollar contracts, proving that the WWE spotlight shines brightest on its biggest earners.
We present the top five reported highest-paid WWE superstars - a list that highlights not just their earnings, but also the immense respect they command for their commercial appeal and wrestling acumen.
1. Roman Reigns ($15 million)
Live Events
'Tribal Chief' Reigns, who is presently topping the WWE payroll, is reportedly earning a staggering $15 million annually - more than any other full-time superstar in 2025. His carefully crafted persona, consistently reinforced over the years, has helped consolidate his place at the top of the company.
Reigns is not only a dominant character in WWE storylines but he is also the driving force behind a thriving fan economy. His commanding presence at major Premium Live Events, combined with a historic and convincing championship reign, makes him absolutely vital to WWE's success.
2. Cody Rhodes ($10 million)
Rhodes holds the second spot with reportedly earning an impressive $10 million annually. Currently holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, Rhodes has firmly established himself as one of the company's biggest stars.
Since his WWE debut in 2006, 'The American Nightmare' has built a decorated career, but it was his return to the company that truly reignited his legacy. With his deep-rooted passion for wrestling, Rhodes has connected with fans in a powerful way.
His merchandise consistently ranks among the top sellers, and his every appearance electrifies the crowd, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of modern WWE.
3. Randy Orton ($10 million)
Orton remains one of WWE's highest-paid superstars, a testament to his legendary status and enduring impact on the business. At just 24, he made history as the youngest WWE World Heavyweight Champion at the time. Over his storied career, Orton has captured the WWE Championship 10 times and the World Heavyweight Championship 4 times.
Known as the 'Legend Killer', Orton has spent over two decades delivering elite performances. His consistent in-ring excellence and storytelling mastery make him a cornerstone of WWE. The company continues to invest heavily in Orton, recognizing both his iconic legacy and ongoing commercial success.
4. Seth Rollins ($9 million)
Earning $9 million annually, Rollins - the 'Architect' of WWE - ranks as the fourth highest-paid superstar on the roster. Renowned for his ever-evolving persona and unmatched in-ring versatility, Rollins has become a mainstay at the top of WWE. His ability to control the pace of a match and execute complex maneuvers showcases his tactical brilliance inside the ring.
Beyond his technical prowess, Rollins shares a powerful connection with the WWE Universe, consistently drawing strong reactions. Since his debut, he's built an impressive resume, including becoming the first-ever World Heavyweight Champion, winning the 2019
Royal Rumble
, and holding both the ROH World and Tag Team Championships twice.
5. Drew McIntyre ($8 million)
McIntyre, known as the 'Scottish Warrior', ranks fifth among WWE's highest-paid wrestlers with a reported annual salary of $8 million. A consistent main event presence, McIntyre's imposing physique and hard-hitting wrestling style have made him a standout performer.
His international appeal - particularly in the UK and Europe - has played a key role in WWE's global market growth. McIntyre's championship success has reinforced both his star power and commercial value. He holds the distinction of being the first British and only Scottish world champion in WWE history.