As of 2024, the issue of gender pay disparity continues to be a prominent topic of conversation in the entertainment and sports industries, and WWE is no exception. While WWE has made strides in promoting women’s wrestling and providing equal opportunities for female Superstars, the gender pay gap still exists, with male wrestlers generally earning more than their female counterparts. Let’s take a closer look at the net worths of some of WWE’s top male and female Superstars and explore how the pay gap impacts their earnings.
Male Superstars: Dominating the Paychecks
The male wrestlers of WWE have historically commanded higher salaries, largely due to their roles as headliners and their ability to draw larger audiences. Roman Reigns, WWE’s Universal Champion and one of the biggest stars in wrestling today, has an estimated net worth of $15 million in 2024. Reigns earns a significant portion of his wealth from his in-ring performances, merchandise sales, and endorsement deals.
John Cena, despite being more involved in acting than wrestling in recent years, still maintains a net worth of around $90 million. Cena’s fortune is largely derived from his Hollywood career, merchandise sales, and endorsements. Brock Lesnar, known for his part-time status in WWE, has also built a massive net worth of $25 million, with his lucrative contract and appearances at major events like WrestleMania contributing to his wealth.
Female Superstars: The Struggle for Equal Pay
While WWE’s female Superstars have made considerable progress, the pay gap between them and their male counterparts remains evident. Becky Lynch, one of WWE’s top female stars, is estimated to have a net worth of $7 million in 2024. While she earns a substantial income from wrestling, merchandise, and endorsements, her salary is still lower compared to male wrestlers in similar positions.
Charlotte Flair, another of WWE’s top women, has a net worth of around $12 million. Her wealth comes from her wrestling career, merchandise sales, and occasional television appearances, but still pales in comparison to the figures earned by male Superstars like Cena or Reigns.
Closing the Gap
WWE has made efforts to highlight female talent, particularly with initiatives like the Women’s Evolution and the annual Royal Rumble match. However, despite these advancements, the gender pay gap remains a challenge. While top female wrestlers have earned impressive sums, it’s clear that the financial disparity between male and female Superstars persists in 2024, with the highest-paid male wrestlers still earning significantly more than their female counterparts. As WWE continues to evolve, fans and critics alike will be watching to see whether the company takes further steps to close this gap.