How Much Did Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Make in WWE?

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has detailed numbers in the Jesse Ventura lawsuit against WWE, showing differences between announcer pay, which includes the recently deceased Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.

The lawsuit details significant differences between the amount announcers were paid during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In WWE, Ventura earned $133, 317 in 1987, $142, 902 in 1988, $231, 611 in 1990. Once Ventura started working for opposition WCW, he would receive $300, 000 a year.

Gorilla Monsoon earned $262, 712 in 1987, $228, 000 in 1988, $231, 611 in 1989 and $231, 611 in 1990 This deal also included front office duties as well as prelim money from house shows.

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan worked with WWE as manager and commentator. However, despite being used in both roles, he still earned less than Monsoon in 1987 and 1988.

Heenan made $195, 864 in 1987, $206, 590 in 1988, $235, 755 in 1989 and $240, 000 in 1990. In 1991 he signed a contract that stated he would receive at least $275, 000 a year.

“Mean” Gene Okerlund reportedly earned the most. This was due to him travelling the most and rising in popularity due to his interactions with Hulk Hogan.

Okerlund received $367, 923 in 1987, $324, 975 in 1988, $309, 639 in 1989 and $330, 539 in 1990. Okerlund also had earned a guarantee he previously received.

We highly suggest watching this video on Heenan as he is honored by WWE on ‘Raw’ following his recent passing.

Raw pays tribute to Bobby "The Brain" Heenan: Raw, Sept. 18, 2017

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