AEW Wrestler Salary Overview
AEW wrestlers are among the highest-paid professional wrestlers in the industry. According to SportLister, the average annual salary for an AEW wrestler is $300,000. This figure is slightly lower than some WWE salaries but is supplemented by numerous perks and benefits that many wrestlers in the WWE are not entitled to.
AEW wrestlers also have the opportunity to earn additional income through merchandise sales and appearances at events. The exact amount of additional income varies depending on the wrestler’s popularity and the number of events they attend.
It is important to note that the salaries of AEW wrestlers vary depending on their experience, popularity, and position within the company. For example, top-tier wrestlers such as Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes reportedly earn salaries in the millions of dollars per year, according to The Sports Grail.
In addition to their salaries and other income streams, AEW wrestlers also receive benefits such as health insurance and travel accommodations. Overall, AEW offers its wrestlers a competitive compensation package that rewards their hard work and dedication to the company.
Is AEW doing well financially?
AEW has been growing steadily since its inception in 2019. According to Wrestlenomics, AEW generated about $64 million in revenue in 2020. This is a significant increase from the previous year, which saw the company generate $45 million in revenue. The majority of this revenue comes from their U.S. broadcast partner, WarnerMedia, which owns Turner networks TNT and TBS.
Compared to WWE, AEW still has a long way to go. As reported by WhatCulture, AEW incurred a financial loss of around $34 million in 2023. This is despite the promotion generating over $100 million in revenue that year. In contrast, WWE generated over $974 million in revenue in 2020.
However, AEW’s revenue is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, projections are for AEW’s revenue for 2023 to be $170 million to $175 million. This is a significant increase from 2022, which saw the company generate just over $100 million in revenue.
Overall, while AEW still has a long way to go to catch up to WWE in terms of revenue, the company is growing steadily and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years.
Factors Influencing Earnings
AEW wrestlers’ earnings vary based on several factors. The following are some of the significant factors that can impact an AEW wrestler’s income.
Contract Type
The type of contract that an AEW wrestler has with the company can significantly impact their earnings. A wrestler with a guaranteed contract will earn a base salary, whereas a wrestler with a per-appearance contract will earn money based on the number of appearances they make. Wrestlers with a guaranteed contract are likely to earn more than those with a per-appearance contract.
Wrestling Experience
Wrestling experience is another significant factor that can impact an AEW wrestler’s earnings. Experienced wrestlers, who have been in the industry for a long time and have a proven track record, are likely to earn more than those who are just starting. A wrestler’s experience can also impact their contract type, as more experienced wrestlers are more likely to receive guaranteed contracts.
Merchandise Sales
Merchandise sales are a significant source of income for AEW wrestlers. The more popular a wrestler is, the more merchandise they are likely to sell. A wrestler’s merchandise sales can impact their earnings significantly. AEW wrestlers who have a loyal fan base and sell a lot of merchandise are likely to earn more than those who do not.
Event Appearances
AEW wrestlers can earn additional income by making appearances at events. The more high-profile the event, the more money a wrestler is likely to earn. Wrestlers who participate in pay-per-view events are likely to earn more than those who only appear on weekly television shows. The number of appearances a wrestler makes can also impact their earnings, as more appearances mean more money.
In conclusion, AEW wrestlers’ earnings are impacted by several factors, including their contract type, wrestling experience, merchandise sales, and event appearances. Wrestlers who are more experienced, have a loyal fan base, and participate in high-profile events are likely to earn more than those who do not.
Top Earners in AEW
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has quickly become one of the most popular wrestling promotions in the world. With a roster of talented wrestlers, AEW has been able to attract a large audience and generate significant revenue. As a result, AEW wrestlers are some of the highest-paid wrestlers in the industry.
One of the top earners in AEW is Jon Moxley, who reportedly earns an annual salary of $6 million [1]. Moxley, who previously wrestled in WWE under the name Dean Ambrose, is a main eventer in AEW and earns one of the highest base salaries at the promotion. In addition to his base salary, he also earns significant earnings from pay-per-view events.
Another top earner in AEW is Chris Jericho, who reportedly earns an annual salary of $3 million [2]. Jericho is a veteran wrestler who has worked with promotions such as ECW, WCW, and NJPW. He is also a former WWE wrestler and has won numerous championships throughout his career.
Cody Rhodes is another top earner in AEW, reportedly earning an annual salary of $1.5 million [3]. Rhodes is a former WWE wrestler and the son of legendary wrestler Dusty Rhodes. He is also one of the executive vice presidents of AEW and has played a significant role in the promotion’s success.
Other top earners in AEW include Kenny Omega, who reportedly earns an annual salary of $1.2 million [4], and The Young Bucks, who reportedly earn an annual salary of $1 million each [5]. Omega is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and has been a top performer in AEW since its inception. The Young Bucks are a tag team duo who have been wrestling together for over a decade and have won numerous championships throughout their career.
Overall, AEW has been able to attract some of the most talented wrestlers in the industry and pay them top dollar for their services. As a result, AEW has become a major player in the wrestling world and is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.
[1] Sportlister [2] MSN [3] The Sports Grail [4] Wrestling Observer Newsletter [5] The Sportster
Comparison With Other Wrestling Promotions
Comparison with WWE
AEW is one of the newest wrestling promotions in the world, and as such, it is often compared to WWE, which is one of the oldest and most established wrestling promotions in the world. When it comes to salaries, AEW wrestlers are paid differently than WWE wrestlers.
In WWE, only top-tier wrestlers, veterans, and main eventers receive fully catered travel and accommodation packages, but in AEW, all the AEW wrestlers receive these benefits. Jon Moxley is the highest-paid AEW wrestler with $6 million annually. In addition, he deserves one of the highest base salaries at the promotions.
WWE, on the other hand, has a tiered payment system based on the wrestler’s position in the company. For example, WWE’s top stars, such as John Cena and Roman Reigns, can earn millions of dollars per year, while mid-card wrestlers can earn significantly less.
Overall, AEW and WWE have different approaches to paying their wrestlers, and it is difficult to compare the two directly. However, it is clear that AEW is willing to invest in its wrestlers, and that it is able to attract some of the top talent in the industry.
Financial Impact of Pay-Per-View Events
Pay-per-view events are a significant source of revenue for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). According to Wrestlenomics, AEW generated approximately $84 million in revenue in 2021. A significant portion of this revenue comes from pay-per-view events.
AEW typically holds four major pay-per-view events each year. These events include Double or Nothing, All Out, Full Gear, and Revolution. The pay-per-view events are priced at $49.99 each, and they are available through various cable and satellite providers as well as the B/R Live streaming service.
The pay-per-view events are a significant draw for AEW fans and wrestling enthusiasts. The events are heavily promoted and marketed, and they often feature high-profile matches and storylines. The pay-per-view events generate a significant amount of revenue for AEW, and they are a critical part of the company’s overall financial strategy.
In addition to the revenue generated from pay-per-view events, AEW also benefits from increased exposure and brand recognition. The pay-per-view events are highly publicized and heavily promoted, and they help to raise the profile of AEW and its wrestlers. This increased exposure can lead to higher merchandise sales, ticket sales, and other revenue streams for the company.
Overall, pay-per-view events are a critical part of AEW’s financial strategy. They generate significant revenue for the company, and they help to raise the profile of AEW and its wrestlers. AEW will likely continue to focus on pay-per-view events as a key part of its overall business strategy in the future.
