The WWE universe is abuzz as WrestleMania 41 approaches, unfolding storylines and character arcs that have fans eagerly anticipating the culmination of many dramatic rivalries. Yet, beneath the surface of this grand event, the financial dynamics within WWE are sparking as much intrigue as the storylines themselves. Recently disclosed salary figures for WWE’s biggest stars in 2025 have sent ripples through the wrestling community, particularly highlighting a surprising revelation: Cody Rhodes, despite his dominant reign as Universal Champion, does not top the earnings list.
Cody Rhodes, known as the American Nightmare, has navigated a journey filled with trials and triumphs. His initial stint in WWE was marked by sporadic success but did not propel him to the stardom he sought. Seeking greener pastures, Rhodes ventured into All Elite Wrestling (AEW), but despite initial acclaim, his narrative arc lacked the expected momentum. Undeterred, Rhodes returned to WWE with renewed determination, dramatically capturing the Universal Championship by defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
Despite his status as champion, Cody Rhodes’ compensation lags behind his peers, with his annual gross salary, including bonuses, standing at $8 million. In contrast, Roman Reigns, despite losing the championship to Rhodes, earns a whopping $14 million, bolstered by bonuses from pay-per-view events and merchandise sales. This disparity has fueled discussions about the underlying factors guiding WWE’s payroll decisions.
The financial hierarchy within WWE is further exemplified by The Miz, who earns an equal sum to Reigns, $14 million, thanks to his versatility beyond wrestling. Not far behind are Seth Rollins and CM Punk, each earning $12 million, leveraging their magnetic presence and rebellious personas to command significant salaries. Rhodes’ position on the pay scale is notably lower, though he stands shoulder to shoulder with some distinguished talents such as AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Bobby Lashley, and Kevin Owens.
The pivotal question remains: Will Cody Rhodes’ earnings see an upturn after WrestleMania 41? As he prepares for a high-stakes defense of his title against John Cena, fans and analysts alike wonder if a victorious title defense could elevate his financial standing within the company. The possibility of ending Cena’s illustrious career adds an emotional and historic dimension to their impending clash, scheduled to unfold on April 19 and 20, 2025, streaming live on Peacock in the United States and Netflix globally.
The intense scrutiny on WWE’s salary structure during this pivotal year highlights the ever-evolving dynamics between star power, storyline involvement, and financial reward. As WrestleMania 41 looms large, the payroll revelations add another layer of fascination to the spectacle, urging fans to consider not just the in-ring drama, but the larger narrative of career trajectories and financial success within the WWE.
Ultimately, the unfolding events at WrestleMania have the potential to reshape career paths and influence future earnings for Cody Rhodes and his counterparts. The imminent showdown could serve as a catalyst for change, spotlighting the complex interplay of talent and reward in the world of professional wrestling. As the WWE universe watches with bated breath, the ramifications of this year’s salary report will likely resonate well beyond the confines of the ring.
