Something I bet you don't really focus on when you're watching WWE: the referees. Those dudes in the stripes, trying to keep a lid on all the madness, right? Ever wonder what they actually get paid? It's something that gets brought up quite frequently, and in all fairness, it's kind of a tricky one to answer.
See, unlike the wrestlers, who tend to be in the middle with their storylines and contracts, refs pretty much lay low. There is not much out there when it comes to public information on their pay. But, we can sort of make a guess.
First of all, it's worth noting that WWE refs aren't your typical Joe's. They're professionals, and they work for a fairly high-profile, high-stress job. It's not simply a matter of counting to three or ordering a disqualification. They need to be quick thinkers, have to make instant decisions, and, quite frankly, sometimes have to keep some fairly large egos in line.
So, how much money do they make? Well, it varies. Like with most careers, experience plays a huge role. A newbie ref just starting out isn't going to be pulling down the same kind of dough as a grizzled veteran who's been doing this for years. And then, of course, there are different types of refs at WWE. Some are full-time contract employees, some are show-to-show.
As far as we can gather, the average WWE ref probably makes between $50,000 and $250,000 a year. Now, that's a very wide range, I know. But, again, it just depends on experience, how often they work, and their own contract.
Think about it: they're traveling all the time, working long hours, and dealing with the pressure of live television. They're also responsible for the safety of the wrestlers, which is a pretty big deal.
So it isn't really an easy job and here's what to consider: benefits. Just like at any big company, WWE probably covers its full-time refs' healthcare, pensions, and so forth. That is not always available in other pro wrestling companies.
Of course, there's always the potential for a little bit of extra money. Some of the refs can make appearances at conventions or other events, and that's a little bit of extra money. And, honesty, being a WWE ref is a big thing. It's a high-visibility job, and that is worth something.
So, though we don't know the numbers, we can confidently say WWE refs are thriving. They're professionals, they're well-liked, and they work for one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates. It's a job that has had challenges and payoffs and is definitely an interesting side of the wrestling business.