WWE legend Mick Foley credits RIVAL company as superstar six-figure salaries rocket - 'it's in its own league'

Legend Mick Foley has credited a rival company for the staggering hike in six-figure WWE superstar salaries.

The Hall of Famer bowed to AEW (All Elite Wrestling) for the substantial increase, which sees the minimum salary for main roster talent rocket to at least £275,000. That marks a major increase, according to Fistful Select, by 40 percent from three years ago. Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and Rhea Ripley will likely be among those in the millions per year as the key cornerstones of the world's largest wrestling promotion. Triple H, real name Paul Levesque, revealed that three years ago WWE's stars - from both Smackdown and Raw, earned a minimum of $250,000 (£198,000).

WWE wrestling great Mick Foley recently spoke with Jamal Niaz of Monopoly Events. He gave his thoughts on AEW's role in helping increase the pay of WWE wrestlers. Foley said: “I think they’ve been really important in raising the remuneration that wrestles receive. I’m not saying this out of any disrespect, but WWE is to me in its own league, but I’m really grateful for AEW. They have great matches on a regular basis, and without them, the WWE superstars would not be making that they deserve. So thank you, Tony Khan.”

The news comes amid a busy time in the wrestling calendar, with the Royal Rumble just finishing and the highly-anticipated Elimination Chamber on March 1. Meanwhile, WrestleMania 41 rolls into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 19 and April 20.