WWE superstars are some of the highest-paid entertainers in the world - but they are not the only ones in the ring.
The referee is the third man in the ring for most WWE matches and they pick up a tidy salary of their own.
Match officials are tasked with ensuring the safety of the competitors, as well as helping to sell the match with their over-the-top counts and gestures.
In short, they are an integral part of wrestling and their performance is often just as important as the superstars themselves.
Therefore, it is now surprise that there is reportedly a tasty pay cheque for those at the top of the industry.
According to Crunchy Sport, A top-level professional referee tends to be on the following terms:
- $250,000 annual flat contracted wage
- $10,000 per PPV match
- $3,000 per regular match
- Five year contract duration
These terms are what it is thought the likes of senior WWE officials Chad Patton, Charles Robinson, John Cone and Mike Chioda will earn.
For those new to WWE, they sign up to an initial rookie contract, with the terms reported to be:
- $80,000 annual flat contracted wage
- $4,000 per PPV match
- $800 per regular match
- Two year contract duration
New WWE officials such as Darrick Moore, Danilo Anfibio, Ryan Tran and Rod Zapata are thought to be on those terms.
While these are generous wages, they are significantly less than what the superstars themselves earn.
At the top end of the company, annual wages of $12million and $8.5million are paid to Brock Lesnar and John Cena respectively.
In total, 15 male superstars are believed to earn over $1million a year from the WWE.
Ronda Rousey is said to be the highest-earning female superstar with a flat annual fee of $1.5million.
