Guess How Much Money Dean Ambrose Made in 2016

Whether you’re a Dean Ambrose fan or not, the Lunatic Fringe is one of WWE’s most consistent talents. In 2016, Ambrose wrestled 204 matches, which made for nearly 10 percent more than anyone else on WWE‘s roster.

For so much work, one would think that WWE rewards Ambrose for his steady contributions, right?

Right. In 2016, Dean Ambrose made $2.7 million. By using “public filings, booking and pay documents along with interviews with industry insiders,” Forbes calculated the approximate earning for Ambrose. The Lunatic’s near $3 million salary is boosted by performance bonuses and extra merchandise sales.

Since leaving The Shield, Ambrose has been both WWE Champion and the Intercontinental Champion. On top of that, Ambrose has his own line of merchandise for which he no longer has to share profits for. In a recent interview with The Herald Dispatch, Ambrose spoke fondly of his time with The Shield but admitted that in many ways, he’s better off without them.

“They threw us right to the wolves. We clicked immediately,” Ambrose said. “We go week to week. We’d figure it out, did a lot on the fly. It all worked out. It’s a means to an end. Three new guys come in and kick the door down. It’s very rare three personalities work like that. You could tell we resonate with people. I’ve made way more money, got a lot more things done, a lot more work without them.”

Dean Ambrose tells no lie. It’s not hard to imagine Ambrose making a third of the money he is now back in 2014. However, it looks like he may return to sharing profits once again as he and Seth Rollins look to be WWE’s newest tag team.

Last night, RAW GM booked the Shield brothers in a SummerSlam match against Cesaro and Sheamus for the RAW Tag Team Titles. We can fully expect them to win. And after that, we can fully expect a Team Rollins & Ambrose t-shirt. They may have to share the profits, but if crowd reaction is any indicator of consumerism, they stand to make a handsome chunk of money.