Alright, let’s talk about how much them WWE refs get paid, you know, the fellas in the stripes. It ain’t no secret, but it ain’t exactly shouted from the rooftops neither.
So, how much dough are we talkin’ about? Well, it ain’t the same for everyone, that’s for sure. It’s like this, the more you do it, the more you been around, the more you gonna get. Them greenhorn refs, the ones just startin’ out, they might get somethin’ like 50,000 to 80,000 dollars a year. That ain’t bad, I guess, but it ain’t nothin’ compared to the big shots.

Now, them senior refs, the ones who been slappin’ the mat for years and years, them fellas can rake in the big bucks. I heard tell some of ’em get a fixed salary, somethin’ like 250,000 dollars a year! Can you believe that? That’s a whole lotta hay, I tell ya. That’s what the word on the street is, anyhow. Makes sense, though, they gotta keep them fellas happy, they’re important, ya know.
- New Referees: Maybe $50,000 to $80,000 a year.
- Experienced Referees: Up to $250,000 a year, or even more sometimes.
But wait, there’s more! Sometimes, it ain’t just about the yearly money. Sometimes, they get paid extra for each match, especially them big pay-per-view matches. Makes sense, right? More eyes watchin’, more important the match, the more money in their pockets. Heard some announcers, like that Samantha gal, get even more for the big matches, so the refs probably get a nice chunk too.
Now, don’t go thinkin’ it’s all easy money. Them refs gotta be in shape, gotta know the rules, and gotta be able to keep them wrestlers in line. It’s a tough job, and they gotta be on their toes all the time. One wrong move, one missed call, and the whole match can go haywire. Plus, them wrestlers, they ain’t always the easiest to deal with, let me tell ya.
Some folks say the whole thing’s like a play, you know, all planned out and whatnot. But even if it is, the ref still gotta be there to make it look real, to keep things movin’, and to make sure nobody gets hurt too bad. And that’s worth somethin’, right?
So, how much they make an hour? Well, I heard tell it’s somethin’ like 23 dollars and some change. But that don’t really tell the whole story, does it? ‘Cause they ain’t workin’ all the time, just when there’s matches and shows and such. But that hourly rate is good money for most folks.

Think about it, they gotta travel all over the country, sometimes all over the world, followin’ them wrestlers around. That ain’t cheap, and it ain’t easy. So, they deserve to get paid good, that’s what I say. It is like a regular job, but you gots to travel a lot.
And let’s not forget, them refs are part of the show, just like the wrestlers. They gotta look the part, act the part, and play their role. They’re not just there to count to three, they’re there to add to the drama, to make it all seem real. It’s part of the entertainment, you see.
Now, WWE, they don’t exactly go around tellin’ everyone how much they pay their refs. They keep it kinda hush-hush, like it’s some big secret. But folks talk, and word gets around. And from what I hear, them refs do alright for themselves, especially the ones who been doin’ it a long time. They’ve earned it, I say. They’ve put in the time, they’ve learned the ropes, and they’ve earned a decent livin’.
WWE Referees: Salary Recap
- Average Salary: Between $150,000 and $250,000 per year.
- Pay Per Match: Extra pay for certain matches, especially pay-per-views.
- Experience Matters: More experience equals more money.
So there you have it, a little peek behind the curtain at how much them WWE refs get paid. It ain’t a king’s ransom, but it ain’t chump change neither. They work hard, they travel a lot, and they play a important part in the whole wrasslin’ spectacle. And for that, they get paid a decent wage, enough to put food on the table and a roof over their heads, and maybe a little extra for a rainy day. And that’s all that matters, right?
