How Wrestling and Business Built Cowboy Bill Watts Net Worth
When you think about the rough and tough world of professional wrestling, few names carry the weight of Cowboy Bill Watts. From dominating the ring to running major wrestling promotions, his career left a huge mark on the industry.
Naturally, a lot of fans are curious about Cowboy Bill Watts’s net worth and how his decades in wrestling turned into lasting financial success. If you’ve ever wondered how his old-school grit translated into real-world dollars, you’re about to find out.
Who Is Cowboy Bill Watts?
Cowboy Bill Watts is a name that old-school wrestling fans will never forget. Born in Oklahoma in 1939, Watts made a huge impact as both a professional wrestler and a wrestling promoter. Standing tall at 6’3″ and weighing over 300 pounds in his prime, he built his reputation as a tough, no-nonsense competitor who brought real grit to the ring.
Watts began his wrestling career in the late 1950s, working for promotions like the NWA and WWWF (now WWE). He became known for his intense style, larger-than-life personality, and ability to draw big crowds wherever he went. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, he earned a loyal following and wrestled against some of the era’s biggest names.
Beyond his in-ring success, Bill Watts made an even bigger mark as a promoter. He founded Mid-South Wrestling, which later evolved into the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), helping launch the careers of future legends like Jim Ross, Ted DiBiase, and Junkyard Dog. His influence on the industry extended beyond the ring as he later worked in executive roles with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Estimated Net Worth
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When it comes to Cowboy Bill Watts’s net worth, most public estimates place it at around $500,000 to $1 million. While he isn’t in the same financial league as some modern wrestling superstars, his wealth reflects a long, steady career both inside and outside the ring. It’s important to remember that during Watts’s prime years, wrestling salaries were very different compared to today’s multi-million-dollar contracts.
1. Professional Wrestling Career
Watts began wrestling in the late 1950s, quickly rising through promotions like NWA Tri-State and Championship Wrestling from Florida. By the 1960s, he was competing in WWWF under Vince McMahon Sr., facing stars like Bruno Sammartino and Gorilla Monsoon.
In those days, headlining wrestlers like Watts could earn several hundred to a few thousand dollars per show, depending on attendance and region. Over time, consistent main-event appearances built a solid base of earnings, especially in hot territories like the Mid-South and the Southeast.
2. Mid-South Wrestling and UWF Ownership
In 1979, Watts founded Mid-South Wrestling (MSW), based out of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Mid-South quickly became one of the top regional promotions in the country, running weekly TV programs and filling large arenas.
Revenue came from ticket sales, local TV rights, merchandise, and house show circuits. Watts grew MSW into a legitimate business empire, eventually rebranding it into the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) in 1986 to aim for national exposure.
Although UWF struggled against WWF’s national takeover, Watts was able to sell many of its assets to Jim Crockett Promotions (which later became WCW), securing a significant financial payout that formed a major part of his long-term net worth.
3. Executive Leadership in WCW
In 1992, Watts was hired by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as the Executive Vice President. His job included managing contracts, booking shows, and overseeing creative direction.
Executive roles in major wrestling promotions typically came with six-figure salaries, and while his tenure lasted less than a year, it added professional income during a time when guaranteed corporate salaries in wrestling were rare.
4. Book Sales, Autobiography, and Appearances
After stepping back from day-to-day wrestling work, Watts continued to generate income through his autobiography, The Cowboy and the Cross, published in the early 2000s.
Additionally, he has made appearances at wrestling conventions like WrestleCon, participated in special WWE Network documentaries, and given paid interviews for wrestling podcasts and DVDs.
Though these appearances don’t bring the huge payouts of a full-time contract, they provide steady side income and keep his legacy — and earning potential — alive.
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