10 Most Overpaid WWE Stars Of 2017
2. Shane McMahon
In March of this year, a proxy statement released by WWE revealed that Shane McMahon, upon returning to the company in 2016, "received performance fees and royalties aggregating approximately $2.15 million". That is $1M+ per match. Given that this fee was calculated by his own dad, it's impossible to believe that Shane took a pay cut for working more dates the following year.
What's infuriating for those repelled by his ubiquitous presence on WWE television is that, according to an esteemed source (the Wrestling Observer Newsletter) Shane earned his salary; he shifted WrestleMania 32 tickets to the tune of tens of thousands upon the announcement of his Hell In A Cell bout with the Undertaker. While he merely made up the numbers at Survivor Series, 'Mania is a massive money-spinner. The astronomical revenue generated by 'Mania more than justified his astronomical salary.
In 2016.
In 2017, the imposition of Shane on all significant matters bar the WWE Heavyweight Title picture divided the WWE fandom, with his 'Mania 33 match opposite AJ Styles enraging many until the night itself. Many considered that match, at least, a pleasant surprise. That those same people dreaded it may underline the extent to which Shane was responsible for the event's pull. You have to tolerate Shane in order to tolerate the entirety of the SmackDown brand. On a comparative basis, at least, Shane's salary dwarfs that of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
On that evidence alone, they've a right to be miffed.