How Much AEW Spends Annually on Talent Salaries Revealed

AEW opened their doors to change the pro wrestling world, and they’ve significantly invested in talent. They have spent heavily on high-profile signings along the way.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that talent is paid based on annual contracts, with the total talent payroll being around $104 million per year. Someone familiar with the budgeting reportedly mentioned that pay for some includes per match figures.

The actual number is believed to be slightly below $104 million, but not by much. To break even, they likely need at least $125 million per year from Warner Brothers Discovery, but until a deal is signed, nothing is certain.

According to the SmackDown Hotel website’s database, AEW currently has 192 active wrestlers. Dividing $104 million by the total roster salary gives $541,666 per wrestler, which is high due to guys like Okada taking multiple million-dollar paychecks per year.

Kazuchika Okada’s contract with AEW is a three-year deal worth an estimated $13.5 million. Will Ospreay’s AEW contract is for 3 plus years, confirmed to be 7-figures per year as well.

WWE Superstars on the main roster can expect a minimum base salary of $250,000, according to Triple H. The listed salaries for top WWE Superstars range from $8.5 million to $2 million annually, but the average is nowhere near $500,000.

Tony Khan is spending a lot of money but isn’t raking much back in. The AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view was barely profitable. We will see what kind of deals he signs in the future, but All Elite Wrestling is spending heavily to keep a stacked roster.

What’s your take on AEW spending so much on their roster? Let us know in the comments section!