Cody Rhodes has navigated the world of professional wrestling for 19 years, becoming one of the industry’s most prominent and financially successful stars. This second-generation wrestler made significant strides in both WWE and AEW, revolutionizing his career before returning to WWE in 2022. While fans celebrate his achievements, a curious aspect lingers: how does Cody Rhodes’ salary compare between his AEW days and his current WWE contract?
Beginning his wrestling journey in 2006, Cody Rhodes, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, initially found his footing within WWE. There, he partook in notable storylines and developed distinctive characters like “Dashing Cody Rhodes” and the memorable “Stardust.” His early WWE tenure saw him primarily in the mid-card scene, with estimated earnings between $100,000 and $300,000 a year. Despite a lack of main event status, Rhodes’ income grew towards $300,000 to $500,000 annually as he gained traction with “Stardust.”
Match bonuses were an additional feather in his financial cap. Participating in marquee events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble, Rhodes earned up to $300,000 per match. This supplemented his income substantially, given his frequent involvement in these high-profile matches.
Upon returning to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes’ earnings saw a dramatic upturn. Reports from Sports Illustrated pegged his net worth at $8 million during this period. Upon reentering the WWE landscape, he quickly became involved in significant storylines, capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40. His merchandise sales, featuring “The American Nightmare” brand, bolstered his earnings further, placing it among WWE’s top sellers.
The meteoric rise in his income became evident in 2024 when Rhodes signed a new contract reportedly double his previous one, situating him among the top five earners in WWE alongside notable figures like Roman Reigns and Randy Orton by 2025.
The turning point in Cody Rhodes’ career, however, arose when he left WWE in 2016. Seeking new horizons, he ventured to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a decision that saw his popularity and salary soar. As one of AEW’s top stars and an executive vice president, Rhodes commanded a reported $3 million annual salary. His earnings placed him well above the majority of AEW performers, who typically earned between $100,000 and $500,000 yearly.
AEW provided Rhodes not only with a lucrative salary but also with revenue-sharing opportunities, particularly through merchandise sales. Winning the AEW TNT Championship three times, Rhodes became synonymous with the AEW brand, leveraging his star power to enter a more financially advantageous position.
Today, Cody Rhodes stands as a testament to individual resilience and marketability both inside and outside the ring. His upcoming high-stakes match against John Cena at WrestleMania 41 poses an opportunity to add another accolade to his illustrious career.
Throughout the years, whether as part of WWE or pursuing new ventures in AEW, Cody Rhodes exemplified how strategic decisions and hard work can elevate a wrestler’s career both financially and in terms of legacy. As he awaits his next wrestling chapter, his journey inspires countless aspiring wrestlers, ensuring his legacy remains as solid as ever.
