But what happens to your favorite wrestlers when they step away from the ring? Lucky for us, there are so many WWE stars, we’ve rounded up yet another collection of wrestlers to explore. Let’s take a look at what some of your favorite WWE characters are up to nowadays.
Matt Sydal (Evan Bourne)
Net Worth: $3M
Legendary Missouri boy Matt Sydal came onto the wrestling scene in 2000 and became known by his ring name – Evan Bourne. Sydal has had quite a rollercoaster career in professional wrestling. Starting his journey off with a bang in the Indy leagues, Sydal worked his way up to the top, bringing his acrobatic move set and creative wrestling style to the rings of the WWE.
Sydal is still doing what he does best and is currently a part of All Elite Wrestling. He also occupies much of his time by teaching foundational wrestling classes to up-and-coming grapplers.
Mickie James
Net Worth: $4M
Since her debut in 1999, Mickie James has made quite a name for herself in the world of professional wrestling. She’s a six-time WWE Champion and has held five other titles throughout the years. In 2021, she announced her retirement and has been focusing on her other two passions – music and acting.
She released two successful country singles and has appeared as a guest singer on several albums. What lies ahead for Mickie James? Whatever it is, you can rest assured that this powerhouse woman will keep us on our toes.
Maria Kanellis
Net Worth: $2-5M
You can definitely say that Maria Kanellis is a professional wrestler who has stood the test of time. After joining the WWE in 2004, Maria was part of several successful tag team championship runs, Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor, and even had a stint as the Diva’s Champion in 2010. After taking a brief break from wrestling, she returned in 2018 and has since embraced her role as an on-screen personality.
Nowadays, Maria is still going strong, acting as an ambassador for current WWE superstars and hosting multiple TV shows. Kanellis is also an actress, manager, model, and former singer, and she looks as fantastic now as she did back in the early 2000s.
Mideon
Net Worth: N/A
Dennis Knight was working as a bouncer in Florida when he was discovered by Steve Keirn. He adopted the name Ted Slazenger and jumped in the ring not long after. Knight worked for the WWE for several decades until his ultimate retirement in 2006.
Once he was done with wrestling, he headed back to his home state and worked his Steve Keirn’s training academy showing other young hopefuls the ropes. Afterward, he got a job as a chef and tried to maintain a “normal” life for himself. Anyone who is a Mideon fan can probably score an autograph if they catch him in a good mood at his restaurant.
Tugboat
Net Worth: $300,000
Fred Ottman worked with the World Wrestling Federation under the names Tugboat and Typhoon. He would often team up with fellow wrestler Earthquake to form The Natural Disasters in the early 90s. One of the things that Tugboat is most well-known for is the “Shockmaster incident” in 1993, during which he embarrassingly tried to make a huge entrance by crashing through a wall and things took a turn for the worse. The wrestler tripped over a piece of lumber and fell through the wall – but not in the way that he wanted to.
These days, the former pro spends most of his time coaching his sons’ little league teams in Florida, where he moved when he retired. He also apparently still holds a blue-collar job, working as a safety manager for an industrial cleaning company. The father and uncle reportedly as a net worth of around $300,000. He has appeared in a few of the WWE games, including the 2K18 version, which shows a modified version of the Shockmaster.
Ken Shamrock
Net Worth: $1.5M
Ken Shamrock is widely hailed as one of the biggest names in MMA history, and for good reason. Shamrock first started in the professional fighting world in 1992, making him one of the ultimate veterans of pro wrestling. He made his WWF debut in 1997 after fighting with the UFC and several other wrestling organizations over the years. ABC News referred to him as the “most dangerous man in the world,” due to him being so talented in many different styles of combat.
Shamrock is married to his 2nd wife, Tonya, who had three children when the couple tied the knot. He had four children with his first wife, Tina, and now has seven in total. He has appeared in a number of WWE video games, along with an episode of "That 70’s Show" and the film "Virtuosity" in 1995. The athlete is currently still wrestling on the independent circuit.
Chyna
Net Worth: N/A
Chyna, born Joan Marie Laurer, began her pro wrestling career back in the 90s. She was an instant hit in the industry, and officials dubbed her the “9th wonder of the world.” Joan was the first woman in history to take part in a Royal Rumble, as well as the “King of the Ring.” But her fame went a little beyond just wrestling…
Unlike many other female WWE stars who are approached to do adult photos or film and turn them down, Chyna said yes. The entertainer posed for Playboy magazine twice. She also released an autobiography and appeared on numerous television shows, including the "Howard Stern Show" and a celebrity version of "Fear Factor." Laurer passed away in 2016 from an overdose.
Kamala
Net Worth: $2M
James Harris, or Kamala, is not to be confused with Vice President Kamala Harris. Kamala could be picked out of a crowd when he was ready to jump in the ring due to all of his tribal face paint and, oh yeah – his spear and loincloth. His career began in 1978, but it wasn’t until 1984 that he signed with the WWF.
Kamala left the World Wrestling Federation on more than one occasion. The first time was in 1984 when he left to go on promotions. He returned in '86 and left again the following year due to issues with his pay. Once more, he returned, only to leave again in '93 to try his hand at professional truck driving. In 2011, the former wrestler had to have the bottom of his left leg amputated due to diabetes. Then, in 2016, he and a number of other former WWE wrestlers launched a class-action lawsuit against the organization for traumatic brain injuries, which wound up being dismissed.
The Rock
Net Worth: $250M
Pretty much everyone is able to point Dwane “The Rock” Johnson out of a crowd, but they may not be aware that before he was one of the highest-paid actors in Tinseltown, he was a professional wrestler. And actually, even the people who are aware may not know that before that, he had started down the path of playing professional football.
Lucky for audiences everywhere, The Rock mainly retired from wrestling in 2004, right around the time his mainstream acting career was taken off. Now, the former beast in the ring has starred in such blockbuster hits as "Jumanji," "Baywatch," "Central Intelligence," and "San Andreas." The superstar has a reported net worth of between $250 and $300 million.
Big Van Vader
Net Worth: N/A
Big Van Vader, who was born Leon Allen White, started his pro wrestling career in the mid-1980s when he joined the American Wrestling Association. It wasn’t until 1996 that he signed his first contract with the WWF. Vader worked with the company off and on for several decades and made his most recent appearance in 2017 when he got in the ring in Japan to honor Tatsumi Fujinami.
The former pro is widely hailed as one of the best super-heavyweight wrestlers in history. He’s won a number of championships, including the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship two times, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship three times, and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, he passed away in May of 2018, following surgery and a 30-day hospital stay for pneumonia.
Diamond Dallas Page
Net Worth: $10M
Semi-retired pro wrestler Dallas Page is another legend in the industry. He’s been in the game since 1988 when he started as a manager with the American Wrestling Association. Nearly a year later, he transferred to the WCW where he started training as an athlete. Page went on to become a four-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, a two-time United States Heavyweight Champion, a World Television Champion, a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, and the 4th Triple Crown Champion.
Page was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017 by Eric Bischoff. He still appears in a surprise match every now and then, as he did in 2015 at Royal Rumble. But for the most part, he’s busy with the Yoga fitness program that he developed, which has evolved into a video series called "Yoga for Regular Guys Workout." The wrestler also hosts his own podcast called DDP Radio.
Edge
Net Worth: $15M
Adam Joseph Copeland, more commonly known simply as Edge, is an actor and former wrestler from Canada. He got into pro wrestling in '92 and started with the WWE four years later, making just over $200 per week with no official contract. Copeland authored his own autobiography that he released in 2004 that he called "Adam Copeland: Over the Edge."
The former pro earned over 30 championships during his time in the sport and still makes an appearance at an event every once in a while. For the most part, he is focusing on his acting career, during which he has worked on projects like "The Flash," "Private Eyes," and "Haven," for which he was nominated for a Golden Maple Award. He was most recently cast as Kjetill Flatnose in the hit show "Vikings."
Alundra Blayze
Networth: N/A
Debrah Ann Miceli, or Alundra Blayze, was the first woman in the history of professional wrestling to be named the Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Rookie of the year back in 1988.
She has a particular love for monster trucks and has been driving them for years. She retired as a wrestler and became an actress. You can watch her in movies like "Shootfighter II" and "Death Match." She is actually still popular, and her wedding ceremony to her second husband, Alan Jonason, saw a broadcast over the internet and amassed a huge viewership.
Perry Saturn
Net Worth: N/A Perry Saturn made his debut in 1990 and won a series of championships over the course of several years. He’s a former WCW World Television Champion, World Tag Team Champion, WWF European Champion, and Hardcore Champion, among others. Before Saturn started his career in pro wrestling, he went to U.S. Army Ranger School and earned his bachelor’s degree.
In 2005, he was involved in an altercation in which he was shot in the neck and shoulder. He became addicted to narcotics not long after, and as a result of which, ended up homeless on the streets for a period of a few years. Luckily, he was able to overcome his addiction and now continues to make sporadic appearances, although he has not been wrestling anymore since dealing with his traumatic brain injury.
Scotty 2 Hotty
Net Worth: N/A Former pro wrestler and fan-favorite Scotty 2 Hotty, born Scott Garland, can be credited with popularizing an in-ring move that he dubbed The Worm – a “drop chop” style that was designed to take down his opponent. He started his career at the beginning of the 90s and currently teaches classes at the WWE performance center in Orlando.
He first wrestled with the WWE when they were still the WWF, for over a decade from '97 to around 2013, when he began his short-lived career as a firefighter. But in 2016, he decided that he belonged in the world of wrestling and began his current teaching position. He lives in Florida with his wife and children, and they can often be found running around Disney on the weekends.
Matt Hardy
Net Worth: $5M
Matt Hardy is the aforementioned brother of Jeff Hardy and makes up the other half of the Hardy Boyz team for Smackdown. As a member of his current team, along with the former Team Xtreme, which included lady legend Lita, he’s won a total of six World Tag Team Championships. Matt has also made a few appearances in film and on television, including playing himself in 2013’s "Pro Wrestlers vs. Zombies."
Matt is married to fellow pro wrestler Reby Sky, with whom he has two sons, Maxel and Wolfgang Xander. He helped to co-write a biography called "The Hardy Boyz: Exist to Inspire." He recently returned to the ring with his brother to wrestle for the Smackdown brand of the WWE.
Molly Holly
Net Worth: N/A Molly Holly, or Nora Greenwald, started out in the pro wrestling world as a trainer before making her debut in the ring as part of The Holly Cousins. She soon became a huge hit among fans, and it’s no wonder, considering she won numerous championships. Holly also went by a few other names over the years, including Mona, Lady Ophelia, and Miss Madness.
Holly still appears sporadically at WWE events, such as her latest appearance on pay-per-view in the crazy 20-woman Battle Royale match. In 2018, she was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame. She currently works as a coach at The Academy: School of Professional Wrestling in Minneapolis. Holly also apparently has a philanthropic side, as Beth Phoenix reported that Holly paid her college tuition for her so that she could pursue pro wrestling.
Stephanie McMahon
Net Worth: $25M
Stephanie McMahon is the daughter of WWE CEO Vince McMahon and the current CBO of the organization. She started with the company as a model and worked her way into the creative writing department by 2002. The WWE legacy is married to Paul “Triple H” Levesque, fellow wrestler and executive.
McMahon was first promoted to Chief Brand Officer from her role as Executive VP of Creative in 2013. She works closely with advertisers behind the scenes to create the best brand experience for viewers and consumers. In 2016, it was announced that she would be taking over as Raw Commissioner. She and Triple H have three children together. The WWE exec enjoys a comfortable salary of around $1.7M.
Rip Rogers
Net Worth: $1.5M
Mark Sciarra, a.k.a Rip Rogers, a.k.a The Disco Kid, and Hercules Marseilles – all of which are names given to the legendary former pro wrestler and wrestling trainer for Ohio Valley. Rogers started wrestling professionally in 1977 as a part of the “Convertible Blondes” with International Championship Wrestling. He won the NWA’s Mid-American Heavyweight Championship before they officially became the WCW.
Sciarra is currently married and working as the head trainer for Ohio Valley Wrestling. He once appeared in a music video for John Mellencamp, as well as made some appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show." The former pro has an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million.
Chris Jericho
Net Worth: $18M
Christopher Keith Irvine, more commonly known as Chris Jericho, is a man of many talents within the entertainment world. He started his career as a professional wrestler in the early 90s and first signed with the WWE in 1999. Jericho is still very active in the industry, as well as holding an additional career as a talented musician with his band, Fozzy.
Jericho puts his all into anything that he does, which is probably why he’s won several championships during his time in professional wrestling, including the World Heavyweight Championship – three times. As the lead singer of Fozzy, he’s helped to create several albums. He has also appeared on numerous television shows such as "Disney XD" and "Celebrity Duets," along with hosting ABC’s gameshow, "Downfall." Irvine lives with his wife and children in Florida, where he co-owns a sports training facility with former NFL stars Tim Tebow and Derrick Brooks.
Chris Benoit
Net Worth: N/A
Chris Benoit joined the WWF in 2000 as part of a stable called The Radicalz, along with Malenko, Guerrero, and Saturn. By 2001, he broke away from the group and kicked off his solo career. In his earlier matches, he won consistently, only to have WWF commissioner, Mick Foley, renege his titles due to cheating. During one four-way TLC match, Benoit badly injured his neck, and had to have surgery.
Benoit continued to wrestle that year, but ultimately had to take the following whole year off to recover from his neck injury. He eventually won the World Heavyweight Title in 2004.
Lance Storm
Net Worth: N/A Lance Storm, born Lance Evers, is a Canadian pro wrestler that appeared on the scene with the WWE in 2001 as the first WCW wrestler to make the “invasion.” Evers lives and breathes wrestling, and still gets in the ring now and then as a referee. He’s also been working as a producer with Impact Wrestling.
The former pro wrestler uses his celebrity as a voice on other avenues today, such as his monthly column for Fighting Spirit Magazine. He’s very active on a number of wrestling and MMA-related podcasts and is a regular guest on the Figure Four Weekly website. Evers even launched his own with a friend in 2016 that they called, Killing the Town with Storm and Cyrus. He is also a family man and is happily married, with a wife and two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel.
Damien Sandow
Net Worth: $2M
Aron Haddad, also known as Damien Sandow, has been wrestling professionally since 2001 when he got his start on the independent circuit as Aaron Stevens. He has worked on and off with the WWE since 2003 and is still an active pro wrestler. The performer has changed his name and in-ring identity several times since the beginning of his career.
After his year-long stint with Impact Wrestling from 2016-2017, Sandow took a two-year break from the industry. He recently returned (to the independent circuit) with an all-new act: The Millennial Slayer. The athlete/actor is also the co-host of a podcast called "On the Mat."
Jimmy Snuka
Net Worth: N/A
Jimmy Snuka was a Fijian bodybuilder who made the move to pro wrestling in the late 1960s. He first wrestled with the WWF in 1982. A year later, tragedy struck, and Snuka made a call to 911 for his girlfriend, Nancy Argentino, who had been fatally injured. He became the main suspect in the case, but nothing ever came of it, until more than 30 years later.
Snuka worked with the WWE sporadically until 2015, when his world was turned upside down. Even though Argentino’s body did show possible signs of physical violence during her autopsy, no charges were initially pressed against the former pro wrestler. But in September 2015, he was arrested and charged with other counts. However, he was found unfit to stand trial due to his deteriorating health, both physical and mental. A year later, he was sent into hospice, and in 2017, he passed away at the age of 73.
Razor Ramon
Net Worth: $3M
Scott Hall entered the sport in the mid-80s when the WWE was still the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation.) He wrestled for several years as a “babyface,” under a few different names, such as Magnum, Big Scott Hall, and, The Diamond Studd, before becoming Razor Ramon in 1992. It seems as though that name really resonated with him because after that is when he really found his fame in the industry.
Over the years, he has also worked on a few different types of media projects. He appeared once on the reality TV show, "Jerry Springer," as well as hosted a show of his own on YouTube dubbed "Last Call with Scott Hall." He has also appeared in quite a number of video games, such as the "WWF Raw" and the "WWE" game. He passed away in 2022 at age 63.
The Russian Bear
Net Worth: N/A
The Russian Bear, Ivan Koloff, was WWWF World Heavyweight Champion from Canada. The Bear started his professional wrestling career as Red McNulty, a villain-like character from Dublin. He earned the name that stuck in '67 when he weighed in at a whopping 310 pounds. He stuck with the WWWF for several years until the 70s, when he started working with the National Wrestling Alliance.
In 1995, Koloff became born-again and became an ordained minister so that he could go on an official ministry. He wrote a few books along the way and spoke at churches all over the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol. He was also a part of the class-action lawsuit that was launched against the WWE for brain trauma and concussions. The former wrestler passed away from liver cancer in 2017 at the age of 74.
Justin Credible
Net Worth: $200,000
Peter Polaco, or Justin Credible, is a semi-retired pro that started wrestling professionally in the early 90s. He first signed with the WWF in 1994 as Aldo Montoya (The Portuguese Man of War.) It wasn’t until 1997 that he was given his new name by Jason Knight, during his time with ECW.
Polaco officially retired from pro wrestling in 2015 but returned two years later for a single match at ECPW, with New Jack and The Sandman. He has been married to his wife, Jill Marie, since 1997, and they have a son together named Nicholas. The former athlete has made a few appearances on television and still shows up at industry events once in a while. He is also very active on his Twitter account, @PJPOLACO.
Glacier
Net Worth: N/A Raymond Lloyd, a.k.a Glacier, was known in the ring for his frosty blonde hair, suit of armor, and blue face mask, which made him look like Sub Zero’s brother. Lloyd has been wrestling professionally since 1987 and made his most recent appearance in the ring in 2017 in the Ring of Honor’s Honor Rumble. But you may recognize Lloyd from something other than the WWE because the pro wrestler also dabbled in acting.
The metal man has made appearances on film and television, such as in the hit show "Burn Notice," and in Tyler Perry’s "Meet the Browns." He’s also very active in philanthropy and often participates in celebrity events to raise money for different charities. Lloyd lives in Florida these days and works a 9-5 job at a marketing firm. He often communicates with his fans and posts about his upcoming events on his Twitter page, @iamglacier.
Ric Flair
Net Worth: $3M
Ric Flair, also known as Richard Fliehr, is hailed by many in the wrestling world as one of the best pro wrestlers in history. He’s been in the business for over four decades, although some have said that he should have left the game years before he finally got out. Rival (and legend) Stone Cold Steve Austin said he’d reached the “time to hang it up.” He’s a 16-time world champion (yes, just 16) and has actually been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice.
The wrestler made several television appearances, including one on "Baywatch" when he played himself alongside some of his costars. In 2017, rapper Offset released a song titled "Rick Flair Drip" in honor of the in-ring legend. He has hosted a couple of different podcasts over the years, including one called “WOOOO! Nation,” and another simply titled, “The Rick Flair Show.” Ultimately, both were canceled after less than a year.
Marc Mero
Net Worth: $3M
Johnny B. Badd, or Marc Mero, is a former professional boxer and wrestler who has traveled a bumpy road in both his professional and personal life. He started wrestling professionally in 1991 and found himself on the list of the top ten contenders for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship later that same year. Then, in 1996, he signed with the WWF and won his first Intercontinental Championship. But everything wouldn’t continue to go so smoothly for the athlete.
In 2007, he admitted to his use of steroids over a seven-year period of time. That same year, he made the announcement that he needed to have a heart valve transplant. Also that year, he and his wife, Darlene, started their own non-profit organization for at-risk youth to help them make better decisions throughout their lives. Marc is now an ordained minister who often speaks both live and on television about making positive choices.
The Coach
Net Worth: $2M
Big Jonathan “The Coach” Coachman previously worked as the general manager of Raw, a position which he held for nearly a decade. His career with the WWF started right at the turn of the millennium when he worked as a backstage journalist, during which he interviewed stars like The Rock. He re-signed as a commentator with Raw, where he still works today as a pre-show panel host.
The Coach spends most of his downtime with his wife, Amy, and their two children. He’s a talented voice actor and thus has not only voiced several games, both college and pro, but also video games, such as "Black College Football Xperience: The Doug Williams Edition" and "Madden NFL 19." Many remember The Coach for his infamous feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin and his Royal Rumble competitions.
Debra
Net Worth: $650,000
Debra Gail Marshall simply went by her first name in the ring, although at one point, she went by Queen Debra. She signed with the WWF in 1998 and won her first championship the following year. Debra stayed with the organization until 2002 when she formally retired from wrestling altogether.
Marshall has been married a couple of times, first to NFL alum and fellow pro wrestler Steve McMichael, whom she was with for over a decade. They split the same year she signed her first contract with the company – which also happens to be the year she met Stone Cold Steve Austin. Two years later, the duo got married in Vegas at The Little White Chapel. But things between the two were anything but lovely, and they divorced in 2002.
The Undertaker
Net Worth: $17M
Mark Calaway, or The Undertaker, is hailed by many as one of the greatest wrestlers who has ever lived. He’s won a total of 17 championships in his career, which started back in 1984, and he’s a four-time WWF champion. Calaway may be getting on in years, but he’s still in excellent shape!
The Undertaker decided to try his hand at flipping houses after retiring from entertainment, and most famously has a $3 million building project that he worked on with his business partner and friend, Scott Everhart. Callaway is currently married to his 3rd wife, fellow former wrestler Michelle McCool. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2012. He has three other children with his first two wives. The wrestler turned real estate agent has a current net worth of around $17 million.
Mark Henry
Net Worth: $4.5M
Mark Henry is an Olympic weightlifter, and award-winning strongman turned wrestler. He’s a three-time World Weightlifting Champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a two-time U.S. National Champion. Henry holds the world record for squats – which is understandable, considering that when he was in high school, he could already over 600 pounds.
Henry made his WWE debut in 1996 and has held some type of role with the organization off and on ever since. He made his official retirement announcement after WrestleMania 33, but he took on a position backstage where he mentors those who are just starting out in the industry. The super-strong man was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Big Boss Man
Net Worth: N/A
Ray Washington Taylor Jr, also affectionately known by his in-ring name Big Boss Man, was a WWF World Tag Team Champion. He started with the WWF in 1988 and wrestled with them off and on for over a decade. In 2004, the wrestler had a fatal heart attack in his Georgia home. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
Taylor left behind a wife and two daughters, who were there to accept his HoF award on behalf of his memory. Earlier the same year that he passed, he had run for the office of Commission Chairman in Paulding County, Georgia. The athlete was also the owner of a storage company in his home state, which was passed along to his family.
Jeff Hardy
Net Worth: $13M
Jeff Hardy was a part of the famous tag team, Team Xtreme, which consisted of himself, his brother, Matt, and Lita. But it wasn’t just on a team that he really shined, as he won six World Championships as a solo wrestler, as well. At the start of his career, Hardy and his brother launched their own unique wrestling federation, known as the Trampoline Wrestling Federation, which is where he first started to really practice his moves by mirroring what he saw his favorites do on television.
Hardy still wrestles for the Smackdown brand of the WWE as a part of the Hardy Boyz but is currently on a hiatus due to a knee injury that he had to get surgery for earlier this year. He has also been dealing with some legal issues, including a DUI that resulted in a car crash, along with a public intoxication arrest in South Carolina. Hardy was released on less than $500 bail and is set to return to the ring as soon as he is all healed up. He has also recorded several albums with his band, PeroxWhy?Gen.
Gigantic Kurrgan
Net Worth: $2M
Robert Maillet is a Canadian actor and semi-retired pro wrestler that made his WWF debut in 1991 as The Cajun Giant. He was signed by them officially in 1997 as a member of The Oddities and The Truth Commission. He only wrestled professionally for a few years with them before deciding to move his career in a different direction – acting in major films.
Maillet’s first big on-screen appearance was in 2006’s "300." From there, he went on to land roles in several major Hollywood hits like "Sherlock Holmes." He’s also acted on some television shows, including SyFy’s hit show, "Haven." His most recent projects were completed in 2018, including his role as Sluggo in "Deadpool 2." The actor has a current estimated net worth of around $2 million and climbing.
Goldberg
Net Worth: $15M
Bill Goldberg has made quite a name for himself within both wrestling and entertainment as a whole. He wrestled with the WWF under the simple nickname of Goldberg and won a number of championships, including the WCW US Heavyweight Championship (twice,) the WCW Triple Crown, and the World Tag Team Championship. Then, he decided to try his hand at some different aspects of entertainment, like mainstream acting.
Goldberg appeared in a number of films and television shows, including "The Longest Yard," "The Celebrity Apprentice," and "The Goldbergs," along with lending his voice to an episode of Seth MacFarlane’s hit show, "Family Guy." These days, he lives with his wife, a former stuntwoman herself, and their son in California. The former wrestler now owns and operates his own MMA gym. He often uses his celebrity status to champion causes like animal welfare. He has even directly addressed Congress to speak out against animal fights. Goldberg was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
Triple H
Net Worth: $40M
Triple H, or Paul Michael Levesque, is a big player in the world of pro wrestling. Not only because he’s a beast in the ring, but also because he happened to marry into the McMahon empire. Before the 5-time Intercontinental Champion tied the knot to his new wife, Stephanie, in 2003, he was married to (late) fellow former wrestler, Chyna, who passed away in 2016 due to an overdose. H’s talent and drive pushed him to pursue additional career ventures alongside his duties in the WWE, such as acting.
Levesque was inducted into the WWE hall of fame as a part of the “Generation X Stable,” which he co-founded in the early 90s. Today, he acts as the Executive VP of Talent, Live Events, and Creative for the company. He enjoys a (very) comfortable salary of over $1M per year, which he uses to take care of his and Stephanie’s three daughters. The businessman/former wrestler also owns over $1M in stock in the WWE. The couple started their own charitable organization, the Conner’s Cure cancer fund, in memory of a young boy who lost his battle with the deadly disease. Whenever he gets the chance, Levesque goes to see his favorite band, Motörhead, perform.
Rowdy Roddy Piper
Net Worth: N/A
Roderick “Rowdy Roddy” Piper started wrestling professionally all the way back in 1975 with the NWA. In 1983, Vince McMahon himself reached out to Piper in an effort to get him to come over to the WWF, but the wrestler refused until his previous contract was up the following year. In '96, Piper was named as interim WWF President, which led to him reinstating the Ultimate Warrior, as per the fans’ request.
In February 2005, Piper was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame. Aside from all of his work in wrestling, he also dabbled in some other aspects of entertainment, such as acting. Perhaps his most famous role is the lead that he played in John Carpenter’s cult classic "They Live." He appeared in dozens of other television shows and films as well, including "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "South Park," "Adventure Time," "The Outer Limits," and "Cold Case." Rolling Stone magazine said that he had a successful “cult acting” career. In 2015, the former wrestler and actor passed away from a heart attack at the age of 61.
Doink the Clown
Net Worth: N/A
Matt Osborne played Doink the Clown during his years with the WWF. He would pop up in the ring in traditional clown garb and use silly props to distract and confuse his opponents. Osborne was with the WWE off and on from the early 90s until 2012.
In 2013, the wrestler was found dead in his apartment. He had been suffering from heart disease, although his death was ultimately ruled as an accidental overdose of a combination of prescription medications. Osborne was married at the time of his death and left behind two children. His children’s mother tried to sue the WWE afterward, claiming that all of the injuries he had experienced as a result of his career had contributed to his abuse of the medicines that killed him.
X-Pac
Net Worth: $500,000
X-Pac, born Sean Waltman, started his career as The Lightning Kid, and first signed with the WWF in 1993. Throughout that decade, however, he found himself struggling with using drugs and alcohol after a neck injury, which hindered his ability to get in the ring. Then, in 1998, he signed with the WWF under his new name, X-Pac. Waltman has remained very active within the WWE until earlier in 2019.
In April 2019, at WrestleMania 35, Waltman made the announcement that he would be performing in his final match that day. He did make sure to include some stipulations for WrestleMania and TakeOver matches. In 2016, the wrestler launched his own podcast to talk about what’s happening in the world of professional wrestling.
Virgil
Net Worth: N/A Michael Jones, or Virgil, debuted with the WWF in the mid-80s as Ted DeBiase’s bodyguard and personal assistant and stayed with the organization for about ten years before moving on to the WCW. In 2010, he returned only to be publicly embarrassed and immediately fired by his old teammate in the ring. Virgil still makes an appearance every now and then on the independent circuit.
After things fizzled out for him in mainstream wrestling, Jones fell upon hard times and lost nearly all of the money he’d made over the years. Some reports even surfaced of him selling his autographs at subway stations, which led to the viral “lonely Virgil” meme that still floats around the internet today. His last match was in 2017, at the Blackpool Tower Circus in the UK.
Vince McMahon
Net Worth: $3B
You don’t have to be a fan of wrestling to recognize Vince McMahon. The man has a current net worth of around $3 billion due to his being involved in several aspects of the entertainment world. McMahon is the head honcho that oversees the entirety of the WWE, where he has been since 1989.
Aside from his business within the WWE, McMahon also helped to launch the World Bodybuilding Federation, and in 2017 he started his own production company, Alpha Entertainment. Unfortunately, he has been wrapped up in numerous sexual harassment (among other) claims over the past several decades. McMahon has several mansions spread out across the country, including a $40 million home in Greenwich, Connecticut.
One Man Gang
Net Worth: $50,000
George Gray, or The One Man Gang, started out his career in pro wrestling as Akeem the African Dream. Luckily, the WWF changed it to the name that stuck, but it wouldn’t necessarily save his career. Gray is considered semi-retired and still makes the occasional appearance in the ring.
In 2016, his Louisiana home was destroyed during the major floods, and he lost nearly all of his belongings. He launched a GoFundMe in hopes of being able to replace what had been wiped out but was unable to raise the amount that he really needed. The former athlete took on a job as a prison guard, but severe issues with his back forced him to retire.
Kane
Net Worth: $9M
Kane started wrestling in the early 90s with a couple of independent companies before joining up with the WWF in 1995. It wasn’t until '97 that he earned the name Kane, and it stuck. Even if someone hasn’t watched a single wrestling match in their life, they’ve most likely heard of Kane. The former wrestler, whose name is Glenn Jacobs, has made a name for himself in several different industries.
Aside from being a three-time world champion and 12-time tag team champion, Kane also had a successful career in both acting and politics. He found himself playing the creepy axe murderer in "See No Evil" and returned for the film’s sequel a few years later. In 2018, he was elected as Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. He has an estimated net worth of nearly $10 million, and it’s only going to keep rising!
Booker T
Net Worth: $5M
Robert “Booker T” Huffman is a former pro wrestler who is still very much involved in the world of professional wrestling to this day. Huffman is a six-time World Champion that was with the WWE from 2001-2007. But even though he may have quit wrestling for them, you can catch Booker T hanging around the WWE on a pretty regular basis.
In 2011, Booker announced that he would be working as one of the new color commentators on Smackdown. Then, in 2012 he was appointed as the show’s General Manager. He lost the job a year later, but he returned not long after as a pre-show panelist and commentator, which is the position that he currently holds with the company. He has released two autobiographies since 2012, along with appearing on a few radio shows and an episode of the hit show "Charmed."
The Honky Tonk Man
Net Worth: $4M
The Honky Tonk Man, born Wayne Farris, started his career with the WWF in 1986, and less than a year later, he had already won his first Intercontinental Championship. He left in 1991 to work with the WCW but returned again several years later in 1997 as a color commentator. Then in 2001, he jumped back in the ring for a special Royal Rumble performance.
Farris made an appearance as the defendant on an episode of the court reality show "Judge Jeanine Pirro." The episode, which aired in 2010, was the highest-rated in the show’s history. He is also a playable character in several video games, including "WW2K15." The former pro was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame in April of this year.
Road Dogg
Net Worth: $1.2M
Road Dogg, The Roadie, Jesse James, Brian James is a beloved staple in the WWE and has been around since he first joined in 1994. He’s won several championships, both solo and with his partner, Billy Gunn.
He first left the WWE in 2001 but returned over a decade later to induct his dad (Bullet) into the Hall of Fame. Then, a year later, he entered into a Royal Rumble match, alongside hosting "Are You Serious?" on YouTube and WWE.com. These days, James is still with the company, working behind the scenes as a writer and producer. Before beginning his career in wrestling, he was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he made it all the way up to the rank of Platoon Sergeant.
Jimmy Yang
Net Worth: $8M
Jimmy Carson Yun, also known simply as Jimmy Yang in the ring, emerged in the WWF in the late 1990s. He stayed with the organization for a few years before he bounced over to All Japan, then Total Nonstop Action, then the independent circuit, and finally back to the WWE in 2003. Yang competed as a cruiserweight for a few years before ultimately being released again in 2005 – but he’d be back.
After returning once more to the WWE and being released (again) in 2007, he jumped back onto the independent circuit, on which he’s still very active today. Plus, Yun now owns his own training school for newbie wrestlers. But the most famous of Yun’s post-pro gigs is by far his “redneck party bus” on which Alabamian (and frat boy) dreams come true. Fingers crossed that that thing isn’t still on the streets.
Randy Savage
Net Worth: N/A
Randy Savage, also known as Macho Man, was called “one of the greatest wrestlers who ever lived” by ESPN’s own Bill Simmons, and for good reason. The man was an absolute legend in the ring, and even those who aren’t all that familiar with professional wrestling have probably heard his name tossed around at least a handful of times.
Savage’s pro wrestling career lasted over three decades, during which he managed to win himself nearly a championship every single year. He appeared in "Baywatch" along with Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, as well as appearing in "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Mad About You," and "Spider-Man." He also got into voice acting and worked on several animated shows, including "King of the Hill." Unfortunately, he was killed in a car crash in 2011.
Rey Mysterio
Net Worth: $10M
Oscar Gutierrez hooked fans with his wild style in the ring and, of course, his colorful signature masks. Believe it or not, Mysterio started his career in professional wrestling before he even turned 15 years old. He is credited with helping to popularize the Lucha libre style and won several awards over the course of his career, including the World Cruiserweight Championship. In fact, he basically helped to launch the entirety of the Cruiserweight division! He is a two-time Intercontinental Champion and four-time tag team champion.
Mysterio is still very active in the world of wrestling, but he retired from the WWE in 2015 after a 13-year stint. He returned to the AAA, where he had been for a few years before his career really took off. In 2015, he signed with Lucha Underground and worked with them until 2018, when he returned to the WWE for the Men’s Rumble match. There is a documentary circulating that has been made about his life called "Rey Mysterio: 619," along with a follow-up titled "Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man." He has also been made into a character in a number of WWE video games.
Sable
Net Worth: $10M
Sable basically laid the groundwork for the modern-day ladies of the WWE. The blonde bombshell debuted in the mid-90s when she first appeared in the ring with Triple H. She developed a huge fan base due to her fierce looks and incredible skills in the ring. Sable used her celebrity status to get her foot in the door of the acting community. She appeared in a few major shows and films, including 2001’s "Corky Romano," starring Chris Kattan.
Sable’s first husband was killed in a drunk-driving crash five years before her WWE debut. She married fellow pro wrestler Brock Lesnar in 2006. Sable is said to have an estimated net worth of nearly $10 million and currently focuses mainly on her family life.
Shawn Michaels
Net Worth: $17M
You may recognize Shawn Michaels’ face even if you haven’t seen him in the ring. The “Heartbreak Kid” wrestled with the WWE until an injury to his back forced him to retire in 1998. But he wasn’t ready to let go of the spotlight just yet, so he decided to pursue a career in acting. Michaels has appeared in several films and television shows, including "Baywatch," "Pacific Blue," "The Marine 6: Close Quarters," and "Pure Country: Pure Heart."
He has also been the host of his own outdoorsy show called Shawn Michaels MacMillan River Adventures. The former wrestler released an autobiography in 2015 about his life that was titled "Wrestling for My Life: The Legend, the Reality, and the Faith of a WWE Superstar," with whom he said to have co-authored with David Thomas.
Kurt Angle
Net Worth: $25M
Angle started building up to his professional wrestling career in college, while he attended Clarion University, where he won the NCAA Heavyweight Wrestling Championship. He signed with the WWF in 1998 and immediately started showing signs of a lengthy and promising career in the industry. Over his many years in the business, he’s won more than 20 championships, including six World Championship Heavyweight titles and the WWE Championship, for which he is the first pro wrestler to win.
In August of 2006, Kurt was released early from his WWE contract, citing his injuries as the reason. In 2015, he had to have emergency surgery due to fluid buildup on his spinal cord, only a week after he’d undergone another surgery to have a (benign) tumor removed from his neck. Angle released a book in 2001 called "It’s True! It’s True!"
Dean Malenko
Net Worth: N/A Dean Simon, or Dean Malenko as he was known in the biz, grew up in a family of wrestlers and started at a young age. He started wrestling professionally in '79, and by 1998, he had won a number of championships, such as Cruiserweight and U.S Heavyweight. The former pro worked with the WWE as a road agent for over 17 years until he left in April 2019.
These days, Simon is still active within the industry and works as a senior producer with All Elite Wrestling. He has been married to his wife for decades, and they have three children together, the oldest of whom was born in '97. In 2010, he gave his family quite a scare when he experienced a heart attack, although he luckily recovered from it. Malenko is hailed by many as the “man of 1,000” holds, and as of May 2019, it can be found on Starrcast at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Billy Kidman
Net Worth: $50M
Billy Kidman, or Peter Alan Grunter, started with the WWE in 2001 and has been working with them off and on again ever since. Kidman gained worldwide fame during his time with the WCW, in which he wrestled as a member of several influential stables, including Raven’s Flock and The New Blood. The WWE bought his contract after his impressive participation in The Filthy Animals.
In February of 2008, Grunter wrestled in his last official match as a pro, but that doesn’t mean the WWE had seen the end of him. In fact, he’s still currently working with them today as a producer. Like many other former pro wrestlers, he released an autobiography in 2014 that was called "Billy Kidman: Shooting Star." He was married to WWE Diva Torrie Wilson for a few years in the early 2000s but divorced in 2008. His net worth has grown exponentially over the past few years and is worth an estimated $50 million today.
Brian “Crush” Adams
Net Worth: N/A
Brian “Crush” Adams was a member of the air force after graduating from high school, which is where he started to box. Afterward, he began his career in wrestling with New Japan Pro in the mid-80s. In 1990, he made his debut with the WWE, and less than two years later, he had already won several awards.
In 1995, Crush was arrested and received five years of probation. An injury to his spinal cord caused him to retire from wrestling altogether, and in 2007, he was found unresponsive in his bed by his son. The former athlete had apparently overdosed on a combination of different legal medicines. He was just 43 years of age at the time of his death.
The Ultimate Warrior
Networth: N/A The Ultimate Warrior made his debut in professional wrestling back in 1987. He was an instant hit with fans, who loved his neon paint and attire and his exaggerated entrance into the ring. The wrestler was born James Brian Hellwig but legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993 – now that’s some serious commitment to a character.
In 2014, Warrior suffered from a fatal heart attack and collapsed in the parking lot of a hotel in Arizona where he was with his wife. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame soon after, and a spokesperson from the organization released a statement on social media after his death saying, “We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away.” He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
The Hitman
Net Worth: $14M
Bret Hart, or, The Hitman, has a multi-faceted career in the entertainment industry, which has allowed him to accumulate an impressive net worth of nearly $15 million. He grew up in a family of wrestlers and started training before he was even ten years old. The Hitman made his WWF debut in 1984 and won his first championship not long after.
Both Entertainment Tonight and BBC called Hart one of the best professional wrestlers of all time, and he created quite a legacy for himself in the sport. Hart also worked as a columnist for the Calgary Sun for several years and published a couple of autobiographies. He has also appeared in numerous shows and films, such as "Natural Born Killers," "MADtv," and "The Adventures of Sinbad." In 2004, he was ranked as the 39th “greatest Canadian” by a CBC poll that had been tallied using over 1 million votes.
Tito Santana
Net Worth: $80M
Tito Santana was a beast he was in the ring during his days in the WWF. The fan-favorite has been wrestling professionally since the late 70s and has won a number of championships, including the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. Before beginning his career in wrestling, he was actually signed to the Kansas Chiefs but was cut in the middle of training camp.
These days, Santana still makes his rounds in the world of wrestling. In 2004, he was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame, and in 2012, he was entered into the Modern Category at the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. He also occasionally teaches wrestling at the Independent Wrestling Federation in his area. The former pro recently got back in the ring for a charity match with the IWF that was held to benefit the Semper Fi fund, a charity for wounded veterans.
Mick Foley
Net Worth: $15M
Mick Foley made his professional wrestling debut in 1991 as “Cactus Jack,” with the WCW. In 1996, he signed with the WWF, and his new persona, Mankind, was born. Foley wrestled on and off for several years under various names and was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame in 2013. He has also ventured down several different paths in the world of entertainment.
Foley, unlike a lot of other celebrities, fully wrote his own autobiography, for which he became a New York Times Bestselling Author. He then wrote several follow-ups along with a number of children’s books, including "Tales from Wrescal Lane" and "Tietam Brown," which was nominated in 2004 for the WHSmith People’s Choice Award. He has also appeared in several films and television shows, such as "Celebrity Deathmatch," "Celebrity Wife Swap," and "Family Feud."
Garbage Man
Net Worth: $100,000
Michael David Droese was known as The Garbage Man and Duke “The Dumpster” Droese when he first appeared in the mid-90s. When he signed with the WWF in 1994, his gimmick was jumping into the ring with a trash can that he would use to beat his opponents over the head with.
He worked with the organization for a couple of years before his final match in 96’. Afterward, he continued wrestling on the independent circuit sporadically, which he still does now. His most recent performance was in May of 2019 at Chikara’s Infinite Gauntlet.
Spike Dudley
Net Worth: $300,000
Spike Dudley’s pro wrestling career began in the early ’90s when he made his debut with Extreme Championship Wrestling. Over the years, he went by a few different names, including Brother Runt. These days, he mainly goes by his birth name, Matthew Hyson.
Hyson had a fairly successful run in the WWE between 2004-2005 when he got his hands on the Cruiserweight Championship. He also won a few other championships during his wrestling days, including the Hardcore and European Championships. He still makes the occasional appearance, but for the most part, he’s busy working his 9-5 as a finance specialist at Merrill Edge and taking care of his wife and children.
Brutus Beefcake
Net Worth: $100,000
Brutus Beefcake, born Edward Harrison Leslie, is a nine-time champion and pay-per-view headliner that began his pro wrestling career in the 1970s. He debuted with the WWF in 1984 and became a part of The Dream Team, along with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Beefcake stuck around the industry for decades, and most recently wrestled for Big Time Wrestling in 2010.
In 2013, Leslie received some odd press when he showed up at City Hall in Toronto, toting a sub sandwich and scissors, claiming that Rob Ford, the mayor, needed an “intervention.” The mayor was in the midst of a narcotics scandal, but security still was not having any of it, and they removed him from the premises. Leslie still makes an appearance here and there, but he’s retired from getting in the ring.
Kelly Kelly
Net Worth: $1M
Kelly Kelly, also known as Barbara Jean Blank, is a model and actress turned wrestler and television personality. She first started with the WWE in 2006 after being scouted by one of the organization’s officials during a photoshoot. Then, in 2011, she won her first Diva’s championship.
The wrestling Diva was released from the WWE in September of 2012 and went on to pursue different options on the independent circuit. But in 2017, Kelly Kelly was back in action and participated in the WWE’s first women-only pay-per-view event. She most recently crushed it in a RAW reunion special where she became the first 24/7 women’s champion. After the victory, she turned to social media to exclaim, “this one is for all of you Diva’s stans.”
Jacqueline
Net Worth: N/A
Jacqueline Moore has been a legendary part of the world of professional wrestling since 1988 when she started out under the name Sweet Georgia Brown. She signed with the WWF in 1993 as a manager but was injured before she made her official debut. Then, she returned in 1998 and found herself becoming the first African American Women’s Champion. She also became the 3rd woman in history to earn a Cruiserweight title.
Moore is a woman of many talents and has trained in both acting and taekwondo, in which she holds a 3rd-degree black belt. In 2000, she took on a training role on MTV’s "Tough Enough," and she and some other veterans got their first experience helping newbies learn the ropes. A couple of years later, she appeared on a celebrity version of "Fear Factor," where she came in 2nd place. Jacqueline was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Snake
Net Worth: $500,000
Jake “The Snake” Roberts popped up on the WWF scene in the mid-1980s. He was best known for using dark psychological antics in the ring, hence his slithering nickname. Roberts also used to bring actual snakes into the ring with him, usually a python named Damien. The former wrestler was part of a group who became the subject of a documentary film released in 1999 called "Beyond the Mat."
Roberts has been with the WWE off and on ever since he first signed with them in 1986. In 2014, he appeared on an (Old School) episode of Raw with his python in tow. Later that same year, he was inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame. The former wrestler has dealt with a number of personal issues, including drug and alcohol addiction, for which he has completed several rehab programs. Then, in 2014, it was reported that he was suffering from muscular cancer. He was also taken to the hospital and diagnosed with double pneumonia after he passed out mid-flight on a recent trip to Las Vegas.
Gangrel
Net Worth: $500,000
David William Heath went by Gangrel in the ring and was known for his rock-and-roll vampire style, with his signature fangs and long blonde hair. He made his WWF debut in the early 90s, after being trained in Florida by Boris Malenko himself. On both of his initial televised matches in '94 and his last in '95, he was defeated by the 1-2-3 Kid (Syxx).
Heath returned to the WWF in '98, around the height of the vampire craze in pop culture. Officials believed that his gimmick would sell more tickets and bring in more viewers. His entrance included drinking “blood” from a grail and spitting it into the air before jumping into the ring. These days, he’s still wrestling sporadically on the independent circuit. He’s also made a few appearances in film and on television, like his disturbing role as a prisoner in "The Human Centipede 3."
Randy Orton
Net Worth: $11M
Unlike almost all of the other (former) pro wrestlers on this list, Randy Orton is still currently signed with the WWE and going strong in his career. Orton is a 13-time WWE World Champion and has headlined several pay-per-view events.
Before Orton got into professional wrestling, he was fighting a different kind of opponent as a U.S. Marine. Because of his credentials, he was initially cast to play the title role in "The Marine 2," but his injuries caused him to be replaced before filming. He has appeared on screen a few times since, including in the WWE Studios' own "The Condemned 2".
Stacy Keibler
Net Worth: $4.5M
Stacy Keibler is fairly well-known in the entertainment world, even to those who don’t follow professional wrestling. She started out as a model and actress before she found her place as a Nitro Girl for the WWF. The Nitro Girls were basically a cheerleading/dance team that would entertain the crowd at live televised events. Once she found her footing in the federation, she became known as “the Legs of the WWE."
Stacy has been featured in several television shows and even hosted her own at one point, a show called "Supermarket Superstar." She has appeared on hits such as "How I Met Your Mother" and "Psych" over the years before marrying her current husband and raising a family with him. Before the couple met, she was actually known to have dated A-lister George Clooney for a bit. She has also been made into a character in several video games, including "Dancing with the Stars."
Lex Luger
Net Worth: $3M
Lex Luger is widely regarded by many as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. It probably has something to do with the fact that he’s a five-time WCW US Heavyweight Champion, a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and a WWA World Heavyweight Champion – among others. He never won one during his time in the WWF, but he still managed to accumulate a net worth of nearly $3 million.
Luger, who was born Lawrence Pfohl, is semi-retired and fought his final match in 2006. In 2007, the athlete was temporarily paralyzed after he suffered an injury to the neck. Today, he still works closely behind the scenes with the WWE in an effort to help prevent any young athletes from violating the wellness policy. Lex has been made into a playable character in several of the WWE’s video games, including 2K16, 17, 18, and 19.
Trish Stratus
Net Worth: $6M
Trish Stratus is one of the most recognized names in the game when it comes to WWE women’s wrestling. That’s probably because she’s a seven-time champion who has been a part of the organization since 2000. She’s got quite a few rivals because every other woman in the business wants to dethrone her from her current place as queen of the ring. But then there are also countless others who say that Stratus has inspired them to make it just as far as she has, such as Kelly Kelly, Bayley, and Maria Kenellis.
Stratus started her career as a fitness model and has graced the cover of several magazines. She’s also appeared in a few shows and even hosted her own reality-style travel show, dubbed "Stratusphere," in 2008. That same year, she opened up her own yoga studio in Ontario, which has been hailed as the largest eco-friendly yoga studio in all of Canada. Both she and the studio have won awards, including Business Woman of the Year and Best New Business. Stratus has also made it into more video games than any other woman in the industry – 25 of them!
Steve Austin
Net Worth: $50M
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin is another household name that can be recognized even by those who have never seen a single WWE event. That’s because Austin has also created a successful career for himself as an actor/producer and has appeared and helped to put together some major Hollywood hits, including "The Condemned" and "Grown Ups 2."
Several key players in the wrestling industry have called Austin the single most popular figure in the sport of all time. He’s won over 15 championships over the course of his career and even become a 6-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion. He spends his time bouncing back and forth between his two homes in Nevada (The Broken Skull Ranch) and California. The wrestler and entertainment guru has a current estimated net worth of nearly $50 million and counting.
Batista
Net Worth: $14M
Dave Bautista is a wrestler turned mainstream actor who is most recently noted for playing the beloved role of Drax in the "Guardians of the Galaxy films." He started wrestling professionally with the WWF in 2000 and went on to become a six-time World Champion. Batista officially announced his retirement from pro wrestling in 2019. He plans to focus on his mainstream acting career these days.
Aside from "Guardians of the Galaxy," Bautista can be seen in other huge hits such as "The Man With the Iron Fists" and the James Bond film "Spectre. "He’s also appeared in several magazines and on reality shows like "Iron Chef" and MTV’s "Cribs." In 2007, he was wrapped up in a scandal that alleged he and some other wrestlers were using steroids. He released an autobiography two months later that he called "Bautista Unleashed."
The Great Khali
Net Worth: $15M
The Great Khali is known for being a real-life giant, towering over the rest of us puny humans at a whopping 7 feet tall. But his height isn’t the only thing that made him (understandably) feared in the ring. If the ex-wrestler climbed up on the ropes and threw himself on top of you – you had better brace yourself for about 350 pounds of rage to flatten you into a pancake on the mat. Before Khali went into the WWE, he terrified perps working as a police officer.
The wrestler, born Dalip Singh Rana, made his WWE debut in 2006 in an epic SmackDown and retired in 2014. Shockingly enough, before he fully retired, he left temporarily due to an injury to his head that occurred in the ring, but he surprised everyone when he was back just days later to take on three other wrestlers in a tag team match. These days, he teaches future stars of the sport in a school that he launched himself called Continental Wrestling Entertainment. But it seems as though training others gave him the itch to get back in the ring himself, as he did just that in 2017 when he showed up to the Battleground to throw down with Jinder Mahal.
Lita
Net Worth: $4M
Lita, born Amy Christine Dumas, started her professional wrestling career in Mexico, using the stage name Angelica. She moved back to the United States and signed with the WWE in 2000, where she became a four-time champion over the course of her six-year-long career with the organization. In 2006, she left to pursue her dreams of being a rock star, which started with launching her band, The Luchagors, and she stayed with them until 2014.
The former wrestler has appeared on several different television shows, including "Dark Angel," "Headbangers Ball," and "Fear Factor." She’s also been turned into a character for dozens of WWE video games, like "WWF No Mercy," "WWF SmackDown 2: Know Your Role," "WWF SmackDown: Just Bring It," and "WWF Raw." Dumas is reportedly a vegan and animal welfare activist and has even started her own non-profit organization called A.D.O.R.E (Amy Dumas Operation Rescue and Education). She is also back with the WWE working as a producer.
Big Show
Net Worth: $20M
Big Show, born Paul Donald Wight II, took over the WWE for several years on end. The 7-foot tall pro wrestler has always been named rather aptly, first going by The Giant before changing his name to what he’s known as today. He’s won seven world championships over the course of his career, including numerous World Heavyweight Championships. He’s got an impressive fan base and has headlined a number of huge pay-per-view events.
Perhaps it was foreshadowing when he switched his name to Big Show, but the wrestler has appeared in major films and television shows such as "The Waterboy," "Jingle All the Way," "Psych," and "Burn Notice." He is said to have accumulated a net worth of around $20 million.
Hulk Hogan
Net Worth: $25M
Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest names in all of wrestling, and his fame doesn’t end in the ring. Hogan, also known as Terry Bollea, is a six-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and was inducted into the WWE’s hall of fame in 2013. He has been a part of the sport in one way or another since the 1970s and is still active within the WWE today. Hogan became so popular among fans that he even starred in his own reality show called "Hogan Knows Best."
The wrestling legend has appeared in quite a number of films over the years, including "Rocky III," "Mr. Nanny," "Muppets From Space," and "Santa With Muscles." He has also appeared in several music videos and video games, as well as releasing his own video game in 2011. He has two children with his ex-wife, one of whom is his daughter Brooke who had her own reality show that spun off from her father called "Brooke Knows Best." Hulk recently appeared on RAW for a special reunion show which included other fan favorites from the past, like Stone Cold Steve Austin, and tweeted out to his fans that he and the other veterans were going to take over the WWE.
Kevin Nash
Net Worth: $8M
Kevin Nash first appeared on the scene as “Steel” with the WCW in 1990. Over the years, he went through several names, personas, and company changes. He signed with the WWF in 1993 as Diesel or, Big Daddy Cool. In '96, he became a crucial part of the New World Order alongside WWE legend Hulk Hogan.
These days, Nash is still very busy in the pro-wrestling world. He still gets in the ring as a part of the independent circuit on occasion, and he’s set to return later this month to the WWE for a Raw Reunion show. The athlete has also appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Magic Mike" and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch." He also co-authored a comic book in the late 90s that’s named after himself.
Hornswoggle
Net Worth: $1M
As Hornswoggle made his way up the WWE ranks in 2006, no one could have predicted he'd still be making headlines a decade later. Born Dylan Mark Postl, he quickly became known for his ring name Hornswoggle and his signature comedic gimmicks. However, his athleticism was beyond impressive – Hornswoggle could jump and flip just like any other superstar in the ring.
In 2016, Hornswoggle left the company but continued his wrestling career on the independent circuit. He’s also made appearances on TV shows and films, including “Leprechaun: Origins” and “Muppets Most Wanted.”
R-Truth
Net Worth: $3M
Ron Killings, or R-Truth as he's known in the wrestling world, is a living legend. His career began back in 1997, and throughout the years, he had an impressive run that included jaw-dropping championships in WWE, NWA, and TNA. His special combination of fierceness and humor made him a fan favorite.
After leaving WWE in 2007, he continued with his musical career as a talented rapper and released several songs. But that didn’t last too long since he returned to the ring in 2010 and has been going strong ever since. During his incredible twenty-four-year journey, R-Truth has earned universal respect from friends, foes, and fans alike.
Raven
Net Worth: $2M
Scott Levy, better known in the wrestling world as Raven, has certainly left his mark on the industry. After making a name for himself in the now-defunct ECW promotion during the late 90s, Levy reached unprecedented popularity and became a household name by signing with WWE in 2000.
He left the WWE as an eight-time Hardcore Champion, cementing his legacy as an all-timer. These days, Raven is still active on the independent circuit and provides commentary for Impact Wrestling. Levy has also been working on his own promotion, called NWA Smoky Mountains Wrestling, where he books events across the U.S.
Goldust
Net Worth: $3M
Dustin Rhodes, more commonly known to wrestling fans as the infamous Goldust, has had a storied career in the WWE since he first stepped into the ring in 1988. He rose to stardom in 1995 when his character Goldust debuted, becoming an instant fan favorite.
Throughout his career with the WWE, Dustin won multiple championships, most notably the Intercontinental Championship and WWE Hardcore Championship. Nowadays, after some time away from the company, he's still active on the independent scene and is currently appearing on All Elite Wrestling.
William Regal
Net Worth: $5M
Darren Kenneth Matthews, more popularly known as William Regal, is a British professional wrestler and manager who began his career in 1988. From the early days of training with Ted Betaly and under the guidance of Robbie Brookside, Regal has gone on to become a multi-time wrestling champion within the WWE.
His success in the ring has been noted for its technical precision, and his memorable face-offs with wrestlers such as The Rock have earned him legendary status when it comes to professional wrestling fans. Outside the ring, he’s a general manager and an ambassador for both RAW and SmackDown.
Santino Marella
Net Worth: $1.5M
Canadian-born Santino Marella has been a true showman throughout his life, and his career in the WWE was no exception. He made an explosive entrance all the way back in 2007 when he suddenly and surprisingly defeated Umaga in what is now known as one of the most memorable moments of professional wrestling history.
As a former Intercontinental champion and multiple Slammy award winner, Santino has left a legacy in the WWE that will be remembered long after he's gone. But nowadays, far removed from the glamour of the ring, Santino keeps busy with books, podcasts, and YouTube channels.
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
Net Worth: $5M
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine is a wrestling legend that started his career with the WWE back in 1970. Valentine has seen it all, from feuding with former U.S. champion Bob Backlund to taking the Intercontinental Title from Tito Santana in 1984. With his signature figure four leg lock, Greg cemented his legacy by taking part in some of wrestling's most memorable matches, involving Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Ric Flair, just to name a few.
The Hammer retired in 2019, and the Hall-of-Famer spends his days tending to his garden and sailing his boat in his hometown of Florida.
Shelton Benjamin
Net Worth: $2M
Shelton Benjamin has had an impressive career that spans almost two decades. The WWE Hall of Famer began his journey as a professional wrestler in 2000 and quickly rose to superstardom when he teamed up with fellow wrestler Charlie Haas.
From then on, he quickly became one of the most iconic names of the "SmackDown!" era, becoming a two-time Intercontinental Champion and even forming part of Team Angle, winning tag titles. Nowadays, Benjamin is still enjoying success as part of AEW rosters, with some exciting matches under his belt against wrestlers half his age.
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin
Net Worth: $14M
Mike Mizanin, or “The Miz,” as he's known to fans worldwide, has had an interesting career in the WWE since his debut in 2006. With his trademark combination of cocky attitude and athleticism, the wrestler gained a rabid fan base that would follow him on a rollercoaster ride of villainous schemes, championship success, and back-and-forth tag team matches.
Nowadays, The Miz is largely retired from the ring, focusing instead on acting work and hosting reality TV shows like MTV's “The Challenge” and “Miz & Mrs.”
John Morrison
Net Worth: $2.5M
John Morrison, also known as Johnny Nitro, made his debut in the WWE in 2003. Since then, he’s become a force to be reckoned with. He's held several belts and competed in some of the greatest matches in WWE history. In 2011, John decided to take a break from the sport and pursue other interests.
Nevertheless, John continued to make waves in the entertainment industry by appearing both on and off-screen in various projects such as “Impact Wrestling,” “Lucha Underground,” “Moondog Unleashed” and “Impact Wrestling: Homecoming.” Nowadays, John is still entertaining fans around the world but has switched his focus from wrestling to movies and TV.
Don Muraco
Net Worth: $1M
Don Muraco, also known as The Magnificent Muraco, is a legendary WWE Hall of Famer. He rose to the top in the 1970s when he first signed with the WWE, initially using the nickname Don Jardine. During his time in the ring, Muraco had legendary feuds with Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Snuka (the latter earning him further fame as part of the 'Snuka-busting' stable).
After retiring from professional wrestling in 1995, he stayed involved with the sport by making occasional show appearances. Although no longer participating in fights due to his age, this icon remains an eagerly requested panelist at wrestling conventions across America.
Ken Patera
Net Worth: $1M
Ken Patera has quite an interesting background in professional wrestling. After winning the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, he signed on with the WWE in 1973. He soon gained a reputation as a dominant force in the ring, becoming a fan-favorite thrower of sledgehammers and steel plates. Patera wrestled until the late 80s and went on to pursue an Olympic weightlifting career for some time before facing legal trouble.
The former wrestler spent two years in prison for violent behavior and assaulting a police officer, but hopefully, that’s in the distant past. Nowadays, he makes a living as a real estate investor, bodybuilder, and part-time gym coach.
Dusty Rhodes
Net Worth: $3M
Dusty Rhodes, whose real name is Virgil Runnels Jr., had a 39-year career in the WWE that began in 1968. He was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and one of the most popular performers of his time, with fans enjoying his charisma and bold entrance music.
Though he left wrestling in 2007, he continued to contribute as a booker and consultant for many years before becoming Executive Vice President of Creative for WWE until 2011. Sadly, Dusty passed away in 2015 due to stomach cancer, but his legacy lives on through his four children and his loyal fans.
Beth Phoenix
Net Worth: $4M
Beth Phoenix has had an amazing journey throughout her lengthy career in the WWE. She began training in bodybuilding and professional wrestling at a very young age, eventually becoming a three-time WWE Women's Champion. Known for her incredible strength, skill, and athleticism, she led the way for larger-than-life diva wrestlers, inspiring other female athletes to take up the sport.
Outside of the ring, Phoenix made appearances on television shows such as “CSI” and “Lil' Pennboil Wrestling Legends,” where she played Marilyn Manning. Nowadays, she joined forces with another legendary wrestler, Edge, as a co-host on the podcast show “E&B Unfiltered.”
Bull Nakano
Net Worth: N/A
Bull Nakano was a pioneering wrestler who achieved a remarkable amount during her career in the WWE. She wrestled against some of the biggest names in the industry, including Alundra Blayze and The Rock. Her most notable championships include the All-Pacific Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship, although it was her incredible in-ring ability that made Bull one of the greatest female wrestlers ever.
After she retired in 1997, she spent much of her time coaching wrestlers and giving back to charities while keeping an active presence on television. Recently, Bull Nakano attended Wrestle Kingdom 15 as part of Tokyo Sports’ Lifetime Achievement Award — a well-deserved accolade.
Ron Simmons (Faarooq)
Net Worth: $3M
Ron Simmons's career was anything but normal. He rose from humble beginnings to become a two-time College All-American, two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, and WCW World Champion. After making his professional wrestling debut in 1986, he soon became known as “Faarooq” in the WWE. His no-nonsense style brought a fierce edge to the landscape of professional wrestling, which eventually led to him becoming a WWE Hall of Famer.
After retiring in 2009, Simmons has kept busy with projects such as developing gaming apps and business opportunities that promote physical health and well-being.
Kofi Kingston
Net Worth: $3M
The Ghanaian-American professional wrestler Kofi Kingston has been proving that anything is possible for nearly two decades. Kingston debuted in the ring in 2005 and went from being an unknown jobber to becoming a four-time WWE Tag Team Champion, a three-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, and most recently, an impressive five-time WWE Champion.
Nowadays, his career with the WWE is far from over, as Kofi is currently a mentor for other upcoming wrestlers and regularly appears as a commentator on shows like "RAW" and "SmackDown." Outside of wrestling, Kofi continues to support social justice movements by using his platform to raise money for charities and organizations.
The Iron Sheik
Net Worth: $500K
Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, you’ve probably heard of The Iron Sheik. Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri in Tehran, Iran, he was the first Iranian world champion in multi-discipline combat after debuting in 1973. He later became hugely popular during his time as the most ferocious villain wrestling had ever seen. He even challenged Hulk Hogan at one point!
Nowadays, the Sheik remains an important part of the wrestling community, albeit in a more comedic role. His social media is always full of outrageous opinions and hilarious anecdotes that fans love to hear. Even in his 80s, there never seems to be a dull moment when it comes to the Sheik.
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
Net Worth: $1M
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is a true WWE icon. Debuting in 1976, he enjoyed a career that spanned three decades, earning him recognition as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His partnership with Ric Flair in the 1980s provided some of wrestling's most memorable moments, and his matches against Randy Savage were unforgettable.
Currently retired from WWE, Ricky still stays active in the wrestling scene; most notably, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and serves as a guest coach at WWE Performance Centers around the country.
Christian Cage
Net Worth: $4M
Canadian wrestler William Jason Reso entered the pro wrestling scene in 1995 under the name Christian Cage. Since then, he's been signed with WWE, TNA, and, as of 2021, All Elite Wrestling. Cage is known for his tag team partnership with Edge, and the pair are widely considered one of the teams that revived tag team wrestling.
Cage's career may have slowed down, but it's far from over. He remains good friends with Edge, and he's steadily proving that he's still the big dog in the ring on various promotions.
Sharmell Huffman
Net Worth: $5M
Sharmell Huffman, otherwise known as Queen Sharmell, had an impressive career with the WWE. Debuting in the ring in 1999, it was immediately clear that this former dancer and beauty queen was a force to be reckoned with. Sharmell’s amazing presence, beautiful costumes, impressive moves, and catchy entrance theme song made her a fan favorite.
In the early 2000s, she met professional wrestler Booker T. They got married in 2005 and are still together to this day. Sharmell retired from wrestling in 2009 but is still involved in the world of sports entertainment as an occasional consultant and commentator.