First Independent Gig. Salary: $25 or less

A friend called and they need a wrestler for a Friday night warehouse match. You're in. So what if the gig's in Ohio and you're in Kentucky? You have a car. You're sleeping in it too, so you won't have to worry about finding a house-sitter.

Seasoned "Indy" Wrestler. Salary: $5,000

You've done the rounds and made the contacts in the independent circuit. There's no real money coming in yet...but soon, a talent scout's going to spot you. You can just feel it. Or maybe you're just feeling the bruises bloom.

Novice TNA Wrestler. Salary: $25,000

Welcome to the ranks of the smaller, cheaper cousin of the WWE. Sure, the pay is lower and there's less branding potential. But the hours are good, the travel is more humane, and you can finally make your rent payments on time.

Break-out WWE Wrestler. Salary: $75,000

Whoa...your mom just called and said the entire family watched you on TV. You're the new kid on the block, so you're taking pounding after pounding. But for now, it's just an honor to be fake-punched by your idols. One day, maybe you'll be one of them.

Big-Name WWE Champion. Salary $200,000+

Move over, Chris Jericho. Your signature move (a flip-twirl-spin-body-slam) has fans going wild. Say hello to 10% cuts of merchandise deals with cereal companies, huge contracts with WWE, and total, round-the-clock VIP treatment.