10 highest paid WWE Superstars of 2018

Behind the spotlights and intensity of the WWE ring, the WWE is a business, and just like any business, aims to make money.

To do so, WWE tries to employ the best wrestlers from across the world, making them into their own brand of superstars.

This method has worked well for the company, which has grown from one of several small territories in the 1970s, to being the biggest, most successful company in the world, under the reigns of Vince McMahon.

If a wrestler is chosen to be a WWE superstar, they'll presumably earn more than they ever have before on the independent scene. It makes sense though. The biggest company can afford to (and will) pay the biggest bucks for the best talent.

This has been particularly noticeable in recent years, with more and more superstars being brought over from the indies (Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens etc) as opposed to being grown inside the WWE.

Here are the top 10 highest paid WWE superstars of 2018, thanks to Forbes.

#10 Kevin Owens (Earnings: $2 million)

A former Universal Champion, Kevin Owens has certainly become a force to be reckoned with in WWE.

Winning the NXT Championship just two months into his career, Owens has kept that momentum going over the next 4 years, becoming Intercontinental in 2016 and the United States Champion as well in 2017.

A lengthy reign as Universal Champion has only added to the prizefighter's value, with him being the main event of several PPVs, as well as TV and Live events.

#9 Dean Ambrose (Earnings $2.2 million)

Despite missing the majority of this year, Ambrose's impressive time before that has brought a serious bank to the Lunatic Fringe.

Winning the WWE championship in 2016, Ambrose became the face of the revamped SmackDown Live brand, after the brand extension of July that year.

In 2017, Ambrose had an incredibly busy schedule, second only to AJ Styles.

Capturing the RAW Tag Team Championships at Summerslam 2017 would probably be the year's highlight for the Lunatic, even if a serious injury in December put a damper on the year.

Now that Dean is back (and with the Shield) expect his value to go up from here.

#8 The Undertaker (Earnings $2.5 million)

Despite appearing twice a year (if we're lucky) no-one can deny that the Undertaker is one of WWE's most iconic superstars.

With his trademark black hat, jacket and grim demeanor, the man in black has taken a big step back over the past decade, appearing mostly at WrestleManias.

However, the Phenom's iconic status has made him millions in merchandise sales, as fans are still loyal to the demon of Death Valley.

The Deadman will be appearing at the upcoming WWE Super Show-Down event in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where he will face longtime rival, Triple H.

#7 Seth Rollins (Earnings: $2.7 million)

The second member of the Shield on this list, Seth Rollins has gone from strength to strength since joining as a part of the group in November 2012.

Quickly capturing a Tag Team Championship, Rollins won the WWE and United States Championships in 2015, before an ankle injury forced him out.

Returning in 2016 as a face, Rollins' stock only went up as he was featured in a long, main-event feud against WWE COO Triple H.

Now a Champion once again, and with the Shield, Rollins is expected to keep on earning well into 2019.

#6 Randy Orton (Earnings: $2.9 million)

The Viper returned to form in 2017, after missing half of 2016, winning that year's Royal Rumble, as well as the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 33.

His 11 appearances on PPV in 2017 was tied for the most of any superstar.

Outside of the squared-circle, Orton is a constant merchandise seller, with his image plastered on figures, t-shirts, posters and the annual video game.

Now with his feud with Jeff Hardy seemingly drawn to a close, expect Orton to move on to the WWE Championship.

#5 Triple H (Earnings: $3.2 million)

Not only earning as a superstar (1.5 m), the Game also receives a separate paycheck for his work backstage, as the Chief Operating Officer of the company ($1.7m).

Whilst his in-ring schedule has reduced greatly, The Game was involved in a feud with Seth Rollins during 2017 and teamed with wife Stephanie to face Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle at WrestleMania this year.

A long-term moneymaker, The Game will be facing The Undertaker at WWE Super Show-Down.

#4 AJ Styles (Earnings: $3.5 million)

Already an established wrestler in TNA Wrestling, Styles joined the WWE in 2016, quickly capturing the WWE Championship in September that year.

Entering 2017, Styles lost the WWE Championship in January, but was involved in a feud with Shane McMahon, and regained the title in November.

With Styles entering day 314 of his title reign, the face that runs the place has made plenty of money during his title reign.

#3 Roman Reigns (Earnings: $4.3 million)

The final member of the Shield, Roman's consistent main-event push has made him a wealthy man.

In 2018, Reigns entered his fourth consecutive WrestleMania main event, with the Big Dog also being one of the most used superstars in the company, appearing at almost every RAW and WWE Live event.

Reigns also recently replaced John Cena as the number one merch seller in the company.

At Summerslam 2018, Reigns finally dethroned Brock Lesnar to capture the Universal Championship, and reunited with his Shield brothers the next night on RAW.

With Roman as the top star on the red brand, expect his star to shine even brighter in 2019.

#2 Brock Lesnar (Earnings: $6.5 million)

Despite a very limited schedule, the Beast spent the majority of 2017 and 2018 as Universal Champion, even though he made occasional appearances and even fewer matches.

Despite losing the Universal Championship last month, Lesnar is still one of the company's top merch sellers, and makes over half a million dollars per match.

Returning last night at WWE Hell In A Cell, Lesnar looks to increase his earnings next year.

#1 John Cena (Earnings $10 million)

Cena's new more relaxed schedule in 2017 and 2018 has not stopped the Cenation leader's earnings at all, as he has reached the number one spot by a large margin.

Whilst Cena wrestles occasionally now, his work with films such as Ferdinand have kept him earning, and he is still one of the top merchandise sellers of all time.

Cena's next match will be at WWE Super Show-Down, where he will team with Bobby Lashley to face Kevin Owens and Elias.