Dwayne Johnson is now known as one of the biggest stars in Hollywood today, but there was a time that might not have been the case. The Scorpion King wasn't exactly a rousing success, but he stuck at it, and by the time Fast Five rolled around, he had become a huge box office draw.
Now, The Rock has taken to Instagram to talk about his WWE retirement, explaining that it was "the biggest risk of my life."
Reflecting on the transition from wrestling to acting, he adds that, "the odds were stacked against me of having a Hollywood career that had any kind of long term, substantial global influence and value."
He also reiterated that he's fully retired from WWE, saying that his return to the company was "to give back" to fans and the company, while his 2014 WrestleMania match against John Cena was "the right way" for his in-ring career to reach its end (so, there's no chance of one more match).
Check out the full video below:
The risk was two fold/ I retired on top as pro wrestling’s #1 draw. And coming from the world of wrestling, the odds were stacked against me of having a Hollywood career that had any kind of long term, substantial global influence and value. After a bewildering 7 year career as a wrestler, I kept my hand shake bond - finished out my contractual obligations and quietly retired. But I knew in heart and in my gut what my WHY was. Once we identify OUR WHY, then our actions have powerful purpose. Almost 10yrs later in 2012, I returned to the industry that’s in my blood. I returned to the @wwe to give back. To bring value and impact the bottom line. Proud to say when I returned we, as a team - set all time box office and PPV records that will never be broken. And in 2014, I wrestled my very last match at WrestleMania in New York at a sold out Met Life Stadium. My wrestling career ended the only way I was willing — flat on my back, getting beat 1, 2, 3, looking up at the stars and being grateful for my blessings. I went out the right way. The respectful way. I retired from wrestling in 2013. Grateful to the bone. And on my shield🛡
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