Before Accumulating $800 Million in Wealth, Dwayne Johnson Was Once Forced to Search Hotel’s Trash Can to Spend the Night: “I Had So Little for So Long”

With over 380 million followers on Instagram, Dwayne Johnson boasts of a substantial fan base. A good number of them are young, ranging from teenagers to their early 20s. There is a chance that they’ve mostly seen Johnson in Hollywood. Then there are some who have been following him since the early 2000s, the time he used to rule the WWE as the poster boy of the Attitude Era. If you go further back, close to the mid 90s, that’s when Johnson made his debut. He still had hair and wasn’t as toned as he looks now. That curly haired, 20-something wrestler wasn’t as rich as the $800 million brand that Dwayne Johnson is today. As a rookie, Johnson wasn’t flush with funds.

In an old interview, which he gave shortly before the release of The Scorpion King, his 2002 film, Johnson recalled his humble past.

Dwayne Johnson revealed why he never forgot the past

Make no mistake, Johnson was no stranger in the WWE. In fact, he was a third-generation superstar in Vince McMahon’s promotion. But despite his father- Rocky Johnson- and maternal grandfather- Peter Maivia’s- exploits, the family didn’t make much. There was a time, as per Johnson, when his folks had to take up another venture to put food on the table.

The fate wasn’t very different for young Dwayne Johnson as well. We’re all familiar with his $7 story- how he was left with that much money at one point in his career. But do you know, Johnson had to once probe a hotel trash can to look for a mattress, just so he could spend the night.

During the time of the interview, he said it was six years ago. “That’s why I never forget that. I never forget those days because I had so little for so long,” he said.

He also counted himself as one of the blessed ones, as cash flowed in through streams in the pro wrestling and movie industry. This was still far away from what he would go on to become- a multimillionaire with billion-dollar ventures.

Read More: Dwayne Johnson Profusely Apologizes After Awkward Gym Encounter Leaves Hotel Staff ‘Noticeably Shaken’

But Johnson hasn’t let success get to his head. He still keeps the 7-dollar lesson close. In case you don’t agree, here’s proof.

A $7 connection and a life-changing aid to fellow hustler

Just a few weeks ago, Johnson hit the headlines after he vowed to take care of a UFC wrestler who shared a connection with him. Themba Gorimbo, the MMA fighter, also had just seven dollars left in his account. A screenshot of the details was shared online, and it came to The Great One’s notice.

This was a ‘been there, done that’ situation for the 51-year-old, who himself had filled those shoes once. He put his arms out pledging help. While Johnson was criticized for it by some online users, he won many hearts by surprising Gorimbo with a new house.

The internet also remained privy to a heartfelt moment when Johnson visited the UFC fighter in person. Seeing The Rock, the Zimbabwean fighter broke down, as happy tears rolled down his cheeks.

They also embraced as Johnson put in some encouraging words during their interaction. From sleeping in cheap mattresses to gifting a house to those in need, Dwayne Johnson surely has come a long way. But what’s more inspiring is that he doesn’t let go of the lessons that life has taught him early on.

Watch This Story: Dwayne Johnson Is Ready To Meet UFC Fighter After Helping Him Out When He Was Down To Almost $7, Much Like Him