While WWE has made many wrestlers rich, some superstars found even greater financial success outside the ring. From Hollywood blockbusters to thriving business ventures, these 10 former WWE stars have built fortunes beyond the squared circle.
10. Mandy Rose – Million-Dollar Online Earnings
Mandy Rose’s WWE career ended controversially when she was released due to sharing adult content online. However, this exit turned into a financial windfall. Through her FanTime account, Rose reportedly earned over $1 million, with one individual spending $55,000 on her content. While she hasn’t ruled out a WWE return, her massive earnings make a full-time comeback unlikely.
9. JBL – Financial Success Beyond the Ring
John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) was known for portraying a wealthy businessman in WWE, but his financial acumen was real. JBL’s deep knowledge of stocks and investments allowed him to amass wealth outside wrestling. In 2003, he published a financial self-help book, and by 2008, he was featured in Fortune Magazine. His smart investments ensured financial security far beyond his wrestling days.
8. David Otunga – From Wrestling to Hollywood and Law
David Otunga’s wrestling career never reached the heights many expected, but his success outside WWE tells a different story. A Harvard-educated lawyer, Otunga built a reported net worth of $10 million through legal work and acting. He even appeared in the Marvel series She-Hulk, further establishing his place in Hollywood.
7. Ronda Rousey – A UFC Fortune Before WWE
Before joining WWE in 2018, Ronda Rousey had already amassed $12–13 million from her UFC career. Her WWE tenure was more about fulfilling a childhood dream than financial necessity. While WWE undoubtedly boosted her net worth, she remains best known for her dominance in mixed martial arts, with a reported fortune of $14 million.
6. Batista – From Struggling Actor to Hollywood Star
Leaving WWE in 2010 was a gamble for Batista, who initially struggled to find acting roles and even went broke. However, his persistence paid off when he landed the role of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy. That role changed everything, turning him into a Hollywood A-lister. In 2025, Batista is a major name in cinema, with a net worth of $16 million.
5. Kiran (Kurrgan) – Big-Screen Breakthrough
Known for his intimidating presence in WWE’s Attitude Era, Kiran transitioned to acting and found major success. His breakout role came in 300 (2006), followed by appearances in Deadpool 2 and Pacific Rim. These blockbuster roles have been far more lucrative than his wrestling career.
4. Nathan Jones – A Hollywood Action Star
Nathan Jones was once positioned as WWE’s next big thing, even aligning with The Undertaker. However, his WWE career was short-lived, and he left in 2003. His decision proved wise, as he found success in Hollywood, appearing in Mad Max: Fury Road and Furiosa. His estimated net worth is between $2–5 million.
3. Diamond Dallas Page – Revolutionizing Fitness
A WCW icon, Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) had a brief and forgettable WWE run. However, his post-wrestling venture, DDP Yoga, became a game-changer. His fitness program has helped countless people worldwide, and his business success has earned him a reported net worth of $10 million.
2. Brock Lesnar – UFC Champion and Financial Giant
When Brock Lesnar left WWE for UFC, many doubted his ability to succeed. However, he became one of the most dominant UFC fighters ever, earning millions in fight purses. By the time he returned to WWE in 2012, he was already financially set for life. His UFC career cemented his status as one of the richest wrestlers in history.
1. The Rock – The Highest-Paid Actor in Hollywood
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s rise from WWE to Hollywood’s highest-paid actor is legendary. Leaving WWE in 2003, he struggled at first, often typecast in minor roles. However, his breakout in Fast & Furious propelled him to superstardom. By 2016, 2019, and 2020, he was the world’s highest-paid actor. Today, with an estimated net worth of $800 million, The Rock has expanded his empire into business ventures and even WWE’s board of directors.