WWE: Top 5 WWE Superstars Who Deserve a Pay Raise

Despite decreasing Raw ratings and stagnant SmackDown numbers, WWE has been putting on an amazing string of quality shows the past few months.

Some will give the praise to Triple H and some of his new ideas for the future. Others will say it is because WWE often takes risks during summer months. Others are just happy Cena is no longer champion while Christian and Punk had some attention given to them.

Today, I am going to focus on five talents that are doing their jobs right now and making WWE a better program because of it. As much as storylines are planned, the talents involved still have to deliver the goods.

*Note: I have zero concrete information on anyone's pay in WWE; this is just speaking in general—they deserve a pay raise for their awesome work.

5. Wade Barrett

Being a relative newcomer to WWE and appearing on NXT right out of FCW, I have a bad feeling that he is not getting paid too much right now. I could be wrong. I hope I am wrong, but it is what I suspect.

With that being said, the past year and a half has more than made Wade look credible in the eyes of WWE's top brass. Also, fans believe in him as a threat to any title right now, be it on Raw or SmackDown.

Again, I have no idea what he is getting paid right now, but whatever it is, it should be higher.

4. Michael Cole

Watch that video clip!

Yes, it is a few months ago, but I call it like I see it. WWE got over 1,000,000 PPV buys for WrestleMania 27, and Michael Cole is a big reason why.

While I think his antics at the announcers' table can be over the top at times, he is doing his job perfectly as a heel getting under everyone's skin (especially rightfully ripping Daniel Bryan), and a move to becoming a manager may just fit right.

3. Kelly Kelly

She may not be the next Trish Stratus, but she is getting very close.

She is currently the Divas champion, and may not be much longer, but, with or without the belt, she will be the centerpiece of the division for years to come.

Again, whatever she is earning, I would double it. She is playing her role perfectly right now and making all the media appearances in the world—she surely deserves a pay raise.

2. Rey Mysterio

I am going off the assumption Rey has a very nice salary with WWE right now. Add up the merchandise and PPV bonuses, and you have a very rich man.

Sadly, he seems to be getting up there in age (and more injuries), and he may be looking for a future after the wrestling business.

Honestly, when his contract expires (?), I would give Rey a blank check. He can have whatever he wants right now. He may be nearing retirement, but he needs to stay with WWE for life.

Whether it is in the ring or outside the ring, Mysterio equals money. Give him every demand he may (or may not) want. Trust me—you will get a return in the investment.

1. Mark Henry

Urban legend has it that Mark signed a 10 year/$10 million dollar contract in 1996. From there, he has been on much smaller deals since 2006 (years and money).

I can understand that. However, as a long tenured legend (yes, I said legend), he deserves a major pay raise based on his recent performances.

Again, you can have the greatest angle in the history of the business written, but if you can't go out and perform well, it will fail.

Well, Mark is taking the ball and running with it. 

Every cliche in the book can be used when it comes to Mark Henry right now. If WWE is looking to give a few Superstars a pay raise, I would start with the World's Strongest Man!