May 15 • Monetization & Business
💸 More Than the Payday: 7 Revenue Streams Every Wrestler Should Build
Being a professional wrestler is a dream — but relying only on show paydays? That’s a fast lane to burnout or broke. If you want longevity, freedom, and financial stability, you need multiple income streams.
Whether you’re just breaking in or already taking bookings every weekend, this post gives you a game plan to build wealth inside and outside the ring.
Let’s break down the 7 key revenue streams every smart wrestler should consider:
💥 1. Match Pay & Bookings (Baseline)
This is your core — what you get paid to perform. But here’s the truth:
Most indie match pay alone won’t pay the bills.
Still, it can cover travel or supplement other income. Treat every match like a business card. Your performance, look, and attitude are what open the doors for the next opportunity.
Pro Tip: Track your pay, mileage, and expenses — this helps during tax time and reveals where to raise your rate.
👕 2. Merchandise Sales
Your character is your brand — and your merch is your product.
What to sell:
- T-shirts, hats, 8x10s
- Custom gear replicas (signed)
- Limited-run collectibles (pins, stickers, patches)
Where to sell:
- At shows (bring a card reader!)
- Online via Big Cartel, Shopify, or even Instagram/Facebook Shops
Pro Tip: Run “match-specific” merch. Just had a banger? Post-match, drop a new tee or signed print.
📲 3. Digital Fan Platforms
If people like you, they’ll pay for more access.
- Cameo – Paid shoutouts in character.
- Patreon – Monthly fan club with exclusive promos, match breakdowns, and training logs.
- Ko-fi/Buy Me a Coffee – Tips for your content or lifestyle updates.
Pro Tip: Consistency matters. Weekly or monthly exclusive drops build loyalty and recurring income.
🎤 4. Seminars & Guest Appearances
If you’ve got experience, you’ve got value. Run a training seminar before a show or offer promo/character workshops.
Ideas:
- Hourly seminars for schools
- Weekend bootcamps
- Online Zoom training sessions
Pro Tip: Position yourself as a niche expert — "Promo Coach," "High-Flying Specialist," or "Ring Psychology Focused."
🎥 5. Content Monetization (YouTube/TikTok)
Turn your matches, promos, gym sessions, or behind-the-scenes moments into monetized content.
Platforms:
- YouTube – Ad revenue, affiliate links, and superchats
- TikTok – Creator Fund and brand partnerships
- Instagram Reels/Facebook Stars – Monetize fan engagement
Pro Tip: Consistent, short-form, vertical content wins. Show your world through a gimmick lens.
🧢 6. Sponsorships & Brand Collabs
Got 5K+ followers and a loyal base? You’re marketable.
Options:
- Local businesses (gyms, barbershops, gear shops)
- Online brands (supplements, apparel, energy drinks)
- Discount code or affiliate partnerships
Pro Tip: Start local. Offer a monthly shoutout package + your event exposure.
📚 7. Wrestling-Adjacent Hustles
Think beyond the ring — skills you’ve built can make money.
- Fitness coaching (in person or online)
- Ring announcing or commentary gigs
- Podcasting or YouTube channel (about the industry)
- Wrestling-themed products (ebooks, digital art, training guides)
Pro Tip: Everything you’ve learned has value — package it and offer it.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Pro wrestling is a grind. If you want to survive, you hustle. But if you want to thrive, you diversify.
You are your own business. These seven revenue streams are your blueprint to turning wrestling from a weekend gig into a full-time career with long-term payoff.
🔥 Challenge: Pick one stream above that you’re NOT using right now — and commit to launching it in the next 30 days. Post your pick in the comments and let’s hold each other accountable.
3
2 comments
💸 More Than the Payday: 7 Revenue Streams Every Wrestler Should Build
skool.com/wrestling
Find multiple ways to make money with pro wrestling & leave the 9 to 5 behind! Learn how to build a brand, create content, & profit from your passion.
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
🔥
+17
2
+9
3
+3
4
+2
5
+2
Powered by