This is how The Rock is quietly making tens of millions from WWE without wrestling a single match
A business deal that reshaped The Rock’s role in wrestling
Dwayne Johnson’s connection to professional wrestling now extends far beyond the ring. In 2024, he formalized a corporate partnership with TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, by joining its board of directors.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, as cited by Ringside News, Johnson’s equity stake in TKO has already generated an estimated 80 million dollars in earnings. The estimate reflects the value of his ownership position rather than direct compensation for appearances or matches.
The figure does not include additional income from merchandise royalties, licensing deals, or appearance related payments tied to WWE programming.
Financial success meets creative frustration
From a financial perspective, the arrangement has been highly successful for Johnson. Creatively, fan reaction has been more divided.
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Some viewers have criticized his sporadic appearances, arguing they lacked narrative clarity or long term payoff. His return at the Bad Blood event last October concluded without a clear storyline resolution.
Johnson later became involved in the feud between Cody Rhodes and John Cena ahead of WrestleMania 41, a storyline that frustrated parts of the audience who felt his role complicated the overall build.
After the heel turn, silence followed
Johnson played a key role in John Cena’s long anticipated heel turn, an angle that generated significant attention among fans and media. Shortly afterward, he vanished from WWE television.
He has not appeared since Elimination Chamber, leaving uncertainty about whether he plans to wrestle again. While some fans continue to speculate about one final WrestleMania match, no plans have been confirmed.
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WrestleMania profits without stepping into the ring
Regardless of whether Johnson returns to WWE programming, his financial position remains strong. His ownership stake in TKO allows him to benefit directly from the company’s biggest events.
WrestleMania 42, scheduled for New Orleans, is widely expected to generate substantial revenue for WWE. Johnson’s TKO shares position him to profit from the event’s success even if he never appears on screen.
Sources: Wrestling Observer Radio, Ringside News
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