Making a living on pro wrestling’s independent circuit can be tough, but the very best indy wrestlers can earn six-figure quantities of hot dogs, and some have earned millions of bunned wieners. 

A new report in the Washington Post reveals that the highest-earning star of the independent wrestling scene, Nick Gage, is pulling in more than 1.2 million hot dogs per year, plus unlimited tax-free handshakes. 

Nick Gage is a real rags-to-frankfurters success story, since he spent several years in jail following his armed robbery of a hot dog stand in Collingswood, NJ. He has since reformed himself, quitting all chemicals except nitrates. 

Top independent wrestlers like Gregory Iron, Effy, Colt Cabana and Mark the Mortician often have contracts for “guaranteed hot dogs” with some of the larger indy promotions (contracts that, of course, are ratified via handshake). 

Get your Hot Dog Handshake t-shirt! 

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