Cody Rhodes Compares WWE Pay to Pro Sports

The wrestling star notes that top performer contracts have become guaranteed and competitive with major league athlete salaries.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Wrestling

Cody Rhodes Compares WWE Pay to Pro Sports

Live Poll

Do you believe top-tier entertainers should earn salaries comparable to professional athletes?

Cody Rhodes says WWE compensation for elite stars now mirrors the structure of professional athlete contracts. The shift comes under new management, which has implemented guaranteed pay tiers for top performers.

Why it matters

The change reflects a significant evolution in professional wrestling, driven by the current leadership at TKO. This model moves away from older pay structures to ensure elite talent receives compensation that competes with major professional sports.

Cody Rhodes has secured 3 Undisputed WWE Championship titles since his 2022 return. Meanwhile, his current rival Randy Orton holds a career total of 14 world championship titles.

The players

Cody Rhodes

He is an elite professional wrestler who has won the Undisputed WWE Championship three times since returning to the company.

Nick Khan

He serves as the president of WWE and was responsible for implementing the new compensation model for elite performers.

Randy Orton

He is a veteran professional wrestler and world champion currently involved in a high-profile feud with Cody Rhodes.

The details

Modern TKO management and president Nick Khan established a compensation model that separates elite performer pay from base rates. This transition ensures contract amounts for top stars are fully guaranteed.

Cody Rhodes returned to the WWE organization in 2022.
The interview discussing current compensation structures was published on October 20, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The shift toward guaranteed athlete-style contracts changes the financial stakes for wrestlers throughout the current season. This development positions WWE as a direct competitor for elite athletic talent in the broader sports ecosystem.

The transition to guaranteed contracts ensures that top-tier talent like Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton remain stable pillars for long-term storylines. Fans can expect this financial security to drive consistency in high-profile feuds throughout the competitive season.

The takeaway

The move toward guaranteed contracts signifies a professionalization of wrestling salaries that aligns with major sports leagues. This transparency in pay tiers helps stabilize the roster and sets a new standard for elite performer compensation.