George The Animal Steele Net Worth

Okay, grab your coffee and maybe a protein bar. We need to talk about George “The Animal” Steele. Yes, that George. The guy with the hairy chest, the green tongue, and the turnbuckle snack habit. What was the man worth when he wasn't chewing on wrestling rings?

The Man Behind the Foam

Let’s remember the real guy first. His name was William James Myers. A schoolteacher and wrestling coach. Can you imagine that guy in a staff meeting, then turning into a green-tongued monster on Saturday mornings? That’s the kind of paycheck diversity we’re talking about.

He made his WWF debut in the 1960s. By the time the 80s rolled around, he was a full-blown cult icon. He wasn’t winning the title; he was winning our hearts by acting like a feral raccoon.

Let’s get to the part you actually care about. How much cash did the Animal stack up before he passed away in 2017?

The Financial Side of the Ring

Here’s the honest truth: George Steele wasn’t a millionaire. I know, shocking. You’d think gnawing on a turnbuckle for thirty years would pay for a solid gold chew toy. But pro wrestling in the 70s and 80s was a different beast.

Most sources put his net worth at around $250,000 to $500,000 at the time of his death. That’s not chump change, but it’s not "I own a private island for my pet tiger" money. It’s more "I own a nice house in Michigan and never have to clip coupons again" money.

10 Things You Didn't Know About George "The Animal" Steele

Think about it: he was a mid-card star. He wasn't selling out Madison Square Garden by himself. He was the perfect opponent for Randy Savage or Hulk Hogan. You get paid for being the foil, not the checkbook.

Where Did The Money Come From?

First: wrestling paydays. This was pre-attitude era, pre-Private Jets for everyone. He drove to shows. He got a percentage of the gate, not a guaranteed million-dollar contract. His job had a lot of travel, a lot of pain, and a lot of sawdust for lunch.

Second: merchandising. Did you ever see a George Steele action figure? Of course you did. That little plastic monster with the fuzzy chest. He got a cut of that, but back then, wrestlers didn't own their likeness like they do today. It was a nice bonus.

Third: the teaching gig. Here’s the crazy part. George Steele kept teaching school during his wrestling prime. He’d wrestle on Saturday, then teach biology on Monday. He had a steady paycheck from the school district. That’s a safety net most wrestlers didn't have.

A look back at George "The Animal" Steele's career: photos | WWE

Later Years and Odd Jobs

After the 80s boom, George didn’t disappear. He did the convention circuit. You know, signing autographs at a Holiday Inn for twenty bucks a pop. That stuff adds up when you have a loyal fanbase of grown men who want you to sign an 8x10 of you choking someone.

He also popped up in TV shows and movies. He had a cameo in Ed with Matt LeBlanc. He played a bouncer in The Wrestler (the 2008 one). Not leading roles, but "I'm-the-scary-guy-in-the-background" roles pay the utility bill.

He even had a metal band for a hot minute. Yeah, “The Animal” had a heavy metal side project. Did it make money? Probably enough to cover some leather pants and a few cases of spinach.

George Steele dead: WWE wrestler The Animal dies

Did He Die Rich?

Define “rich.” George Steele died at 79 years old. He had paid off his mortgage. He had friends. He had legions of fans who still chant “Animal!” when someone chews the ropes. Honestly? That’s richer than most billionaires.

He didn’t leave behind a mansion or a Ferrari. He left behind a legacy of pure, unadulterated weirdness. He was a man who could teach your kid biology and then eat a turnbuckle on national TV. You can’t put a price tag on that kind of flexibility.

So, what’s the final verdict on George The Animal Steele Net Worth? About half a million bucks. But his value to wrestling? Priceless. And free of any artificial flavoring.

Next time you watch a wrestler bite a turnbuckle, raise your coffee. You're watching a tribute to a man who made it weird, made it fun, and made just enough to live comfortably. Cheers, Animal. You earned every cent—and every lost tooth.