The WWE, the world’s largest wrestling promotion, has both grown in popularity – and notoriety, as ex-CEO Vince McMahon became embroiled in scandal.

Formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the World Wrestling Entertainment is now available in more than one billion homes worldwide in 30 languages.

As in other “wrestling promotions”, WWE shows are not true contests. It’s known as entertainment-based performance theatre, featuring scripted, storyline-driven 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, back in 1989, acknowledged this aspect of WWE’s professional wrestling so as to avoid being taxed athletic commissions.

And it’s been an interesting year for the decades-old company. A hotly anticipated merger between Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment was completed in September 2023, forming TKO Group Holdings – a new US$21.4 billion fighting sports and entertainment powerhouse that began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. For McMahon, however, things haven’t gone so smoothly. Earlier this year, he ended his ties with the company amid a sex trafficking scandal.

So, after all these years of fake fights, real relationships and career-launching moves, which WWE icons are the wealthiest in 2024, per Celebrity Net Worth?

8. Hulk Hogan, 70

Estimated net worth: US$25 million

Hulk Hogan is the larger-than-life icon in the wrestling universe, starting his career as one of the most famous and popular wrestlers of the 80s. Hogan’s impact goes beyond the WWE, with stints at New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and American Wrestling Association (AWA) also under his belt.

In recent years, his wealth has been on a roller-coaster ride. His infamous Gawker.com settlement was initially US$140 million, but was ultimately reduced to US$31 million, before taxes. He famously also lost a huge chunk of his wealth during his messy divorce from ex-wife Linda.

The Hulk has also since admitted that he blew “hundreds of millions” on an extremely lavish lifestyle during the peak of his career, per British media, so he could’ve ranked a lot higher on this list had he played his cards better.

7. Stacy Keibler, 44

Estimated net worth: US$25 million

Starting as a dancer and cheerleader, Stacy Keibler became a successful wrestler with WWE before leaving the ring to pursue an acting career. Keibler, who famously dated George Clooney for many years, made her WWF debut in 2001 and remained with the brand for a couple of years before officially leaving professional wrestling in 2006, though she did make occasional appearances on the network in the years after.

She has also appeared as a character in over 10 wrestling video games, including the WWE WrestleMania games and WWE SmackDown. It should be noted that much of her US$25 million net worth is through her marriage to internet technology executive, Jared Pobre.

6. Steve Austin, 59

Estimated net worth: US$30 million

Throughout his career, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin achieved numerous accolades, including world championships and Royal Rumble victories. His rebellious persona and memorable catchphrases have made him a firm fan favourite and one of the most beloved figures in WWE history.

It’s no surprise that he’s a TV and film regular, making millions with his acting appearances in films like The Longest Yard, The Condemned and The Expendables. He’s also a successful reality television host, hosting the CMT’s Redneck Island and his own competition show, Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge.

5. John Cena, 46

Estimated net worth: US$80 million

John Cena is a global superstar not only in the wrestling realm, but also in acting, music and television, officially becoming one of the WWE’s most iconic figures of all time.

Cena’s wrestling career remains the cornerstone of his earnings, but his global brand appeal and many business ventures have propelled him to another level of fame and wealth compared to other wrestlers. He’s since become an A-list actor and television presenter, hosting shows like Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? on Nickelodeon and even making a guest appearance in the Barbie movie.

4. and 3. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, 54 and Stephanie McMahon, 47

Combined estimated net worth: US$250 million

Stephanie McMahon, known as the WWE’s “Billionaire Princess”, is the daughter of former WWE chairman Vince McMahon and former administrator of small business administration Linda McMahon. Stephanie currently reportedly holds 2.5 per cent of WWE’s total shares and wields a significant voting power of 5 per cent.

Her husband, Triple H, is WWE’s chief content officer and a former world champion. In 2022, Triple H announced his retirement from wrestling, taking on an executive role within the company instead. As executive vice-president of 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, effortlessly transitioning to Hollywood over the years. These days, The Rock is one of the highest paid entertainers on the planet, earning millions a year from his various film and endorsement deals.

His hefty net worth includes his 30-40 per cent stake in Teremana Tequila, the fastest growing tequila brand of all time, per Forbes, which has a current estimated valuation of US$2 billion. He is expected to soon become a billionaire thanks to his venture with the tequila brand.

1. Vince McMahon, 78

Estimated net worth: US$2.8 billion

Vince McMahon is most famous for being the former chairman, CEO and majority shareholder of WWE. McMahon reportedly began working for his father at Capitol Wrestling Corporation in the 1970s when he started promoting a wrestling show. He served as the in-ring announcer for matches and became the go-to play-by-play commentator. Through the years, McMahon became the godfather of WWE and helped make wrestling a household name around the world.

But his time with the company has come to a brief halt in recent months. McMahon stepped down from his role as executive chairman of the board of TKO, the new merger between WWE and UFC, in January in the wake of sexual assault allegations. What happens to his remaining billions – US$2.8 billion, to be exact, per Forbes – is yet to be seen.