Cody Rhodes Details WWE’s Three-Tier Salary Structure and Pro Sports Level Pay
The economic landscape of professional wrestling has undergone a fundamental shift under the TKO Group Holdings era, according to top star Cody Rhodes. Speaking on the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz, Rhodes detailed a new compensation structure where elite WWE talent now commands salaries comparable to those found in major professional sports leagues like the NBA and MLB.
Rhodes noted that the traditional “downside guarantee” model has evolved into a more sophisticated tiered system. This structure, reportedly established by WWE President Nick Khan, categorizes talent into three distinct earning brackets: “doing well,” “doing really well,” and the “next level.” According to industry estimates, performers in that “next level” tier—a group that includes Rhodes and Roman Reigns—are now earning between $10 million and $15 million annually. These figures align with average salaries in the NFL and mid-level exception contracts in the NBA.
Elite talent in the ‘next level’ tier now command salaries comparable to major league sports.
The Rising Floor for New Talent
The financial transformation is not limited to those at the top of the marquee. Rhodes highlighted a significant shift in how the company compensates its developmental roster. Under the current structure, even entry-level wrestlers in the NXT system are reportedly receiving guaranteed six-figure contracts. This represents a substantial increase from the pre-TKO era, where developmental pay was often a fraction of that amount.
This “rising floor” is attributed to the company’s aggressive expansion into global media rights and a more corporate approach to talent recruitment. By offering guaranteed six-figure salaries to prospects, WWE is now competing directly with traditional sports for high-level collegiate athletes who might have otherwise pursued professional paths in football or track and field.
Rhodes’ Role in the Modern WWE Economy
Rhodes’ own career trajectory serves as a primary example of this “next level” status. He recently signed a long-term contract extension with the company, which he has stated is intended to keep him in a WWE ring for the remainder of his active wrestling career.
Beyond the ring, Rhodes is increasingly crossing into mainstream entertainment, a move that further mirrors the career paths of top-tier professional athletes. He stars as Guile in the live-action Street Fighter movie, which arrived in theaters on October 16, 2026. This crossover appeal contributes to the valuation of top talent as “attractions” rather than just touring wrestlers.
Despite his financial and Hollywood success, Rhodes remains central to WWE’s primary storylines. On October 19, he challenged for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a high-stakes rematch. While Rhodes won the match via disqualification, the current champion, Sami Zayn, retained the title. The match underscored Rhodes’ position as a cornerstone of the company’s current programming, which continues to drive the record-breaking revenues supporting these new salary standards.
