Eddie Guerrero’s WWE salary at the time of his death in 2005 was notably lower compared to other leading performers such as John Cena and Dave Bautista. Despite Guerrero’s widespread popularity, his base pay was reported to be substantially less than his peers, highlighting a significant salary gap within the company.
By 2005, Guerrero had become a widely recognized and beloved figure within WWE, having joined the roster in 2000. Known as “Latino Heat,” he drew strong crowd reactions and was a prominent presence, yet his estimated base salary was around $372,000 that year, which stands in stark contrast to those of other top stars.
John Cena and Dave Bautista Earned Considerably Higher Wages
According to a report from GiveMeSport, the disparity between Eddie Guerrero’s salary and those of John Cena and Dave Bautista was striking. In 2005, Cena’s reported earnings were approximately $1,743,000. This amount included additional perks such as first-class flights, premium hotel stays, and transportation for every event, all covered by WWE.
Dave Bautista, known as “The Animal,” earned less than Cena but still significantly more than Guerrero. His salary was estimated at $813,000, including similar travel and accommodation benefits. The fact that Cena’s pay was more than four times that of Guerrero’s, and Bautista’s was nearly triple, reveals the considerable gaps among WWE’s top-tier talent during that period.
Eddie Guerrero’s Popularity Outshined His Salary
Though Guerrero initially entered WWE as part of The Radicalz, a four-man faction, his energetic persona quickly made him a standout star. His portrayal as a cunning heel who would resort to “lying, cheating, and stealing” became a defining characteristic that endeared him to fans nationwide.
Guerrero’s memorable feud with Rey Mysterio further solidified his status before his final match on WWE SmackDown on November 11, 2005, where he defeated Mr. Kennedy by tricking the referee. Sadly, two days later, Guerrero was found dead in a Minneapolis hotel room due to heart failure, marking a tragic end to his career.
The crowd’s reaction during his last match demonstrated the deep connection Guerrero had with fans, despite his “heel” image. His ability to generate excitement and emotional responses from audiences was a testament to his talent and charisma in the ring.
The Impact of Guerrero’s Salary Disparity in WWE
The significant difference in earnings between Eddie Guerrero and other headliners such as John Cena and Dave Bautista raises questions about WWE’s compensation structure during that era. Given Guerrero’s widespread appeal and influence, many wonder if he deserved a salary that better reflected his status and contributions.
This disparity also sheds light on broader issues of pay equity within the sport entertainment industry. As fans remember Guerrero’s legacy, discussions about fair pay related to popularity and impact are likely to continue, especially when considering the talent each star brought to the WWE roster.
