WWE
Dec 31, 2025
Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid When Injured? Salary, Contracts & Injury Pay Explained
Learn how WWE contracts work, downside guarantees, injury pay, medical coverage, and what happens if a wrestler can’t compete. Photo by: WWE
WWE wrestlers continue to get paid when injured, as long as they are under a standard WWE contract.
However, how and why they get paid depends on WWE’s contract structure, injury circumstances, and medical clearance.
This guide explains the system clearly and without confusion.
How WWE Wrestler Pay Works (Important Context)
WWE wrestlers are classified as independent contractors, not employees.
Despite that, WWE contracts include a key protection known as the downside guarantee.
WWE contracts typically include:
A guaranteed annual salary
Paid regardless of match count
Paid even if the wrestler is injured
This means most wrestlers do not lose their base pay due to injury.
What Is a Downside Guarantee?
A downside guarantee is the minimum amount a wrestler is guaranteed to earn per year.
What It Covers
Injuries
Time off TV
Creative non-usage
Recovery and rehab periods
As long as a wrestler remains under contract, payments continue.
Do WWE Wrestlers Get Paid While Injured? (Breakdown)
Situation | Do They Get Paid? |
|---|---|
Injured during a WWE match | Yes |
Injured during WWE training | Yes |
Injured outside WWE (accident) | Yes (salary continues) |
Unable to wrestle for months | Yes |
Career-ending injury | Yes (until contract expires) |
Key point: Injury does not cancel a WWE contract.
What WWE Covers During an Injury
While WWE does not provide traditional health insurance, it does cover wrestling-related injuries.
WWE Covers:
Medical treatment for in-ring injuries
Surgery related to WWE performance
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Concussion evaluations
This medical coverage is separate from salary, but both continue during recovery.
What WWE Does NOT Cover
There are limits.
WWE Does Not Cover
Non-wrestling-related illnesses
Family health insurance
Long-term healthcare after retirement
Wrestlers still need private health insurance for general medical needs.
Do Wrestlers Lose Bonuses While Injured?
Yes, this is where income can change.
While Injured, Wrestlers May Lose
Pay-per-view bonuses
Match-based incentives
Merchandise momentum bonuses
However, base salary continues.
Example
A top star injured for 6 months:
Still earns guaranteed salary
Misses PPV bonuses and merch spikes
Do WWE Wrestlers Get Released While Injured?
Generally, no.
WWE rarely releases wrestlers solely because they are injured. Contracts usually run their full term unless:
The wrestler requests release
There are legal or disciplinary issues
In most cases, WWE allows injured wrestlers to rehab fully before returning.
What Happens If the Injury Is Career-Ending?
If an injury ends a wrestler’s career:
WWE usually honors the contract until it expires
Wrestler continues to get paid
Medical care continues for the injury
Some wrestlers may transition into:
Producer roles
Coaching
On-screen non-wrestling roles
Real Examples (Publicly Known)
Wrestlers sidelined for ACL tears, neck injuries, or surgeries have continued receiving pay
Many returned months or years later without financial penalty
Several retired wrestlers were paid through their remaining contract terms
This system has been consistent for decades.
Why WWE Pays Injured Wrestlers
WWE does this because:
Contracts are guaranteed
Injuries are part of the job
Stability helps talent recover properly
It protects WWE legally and reputationally
Despite contractor status, this is one of the strongest protections WWE talent has.
How This Compares to Other Promotions
Promotion | Injury Pay |
|---|---|
WWE | Yes (guaranteed contracts) |
AEW | Yes (case-by-case) |
Independent wrestling | Usually no |
Boxing/MMA | No (paid per fight) |
WWE’s system is far more stable than most combat sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do WWE wrestlers still get paid if they can’t wrestle?
Yes. Guaranteed contracts continue paying them.
Do injured wrestlers get fired?
Rarely. Injury alone is not grounds for release.
Do WWE wrestlers get paid per match?
No. They are paid via annual contracts.
Does WWE pay for surgery?
Yes, if the injury is wrestling-related.
Final Answer
Yes, WWE wrestlers get paid when injured.
As long as they are under contract:
Base salary continues
Medical treatment is covered for wrestling injuries
Only performance bonuses may be missed
While WWE has flaws in other areas, injury pay is one area where the system strongly favors contract stability.
