Despite $800M Worth Star’s Undying Optimism, Only One Thing Can Save Dwayne Johnson’s Brainchild From Hitting ‘Rock Bottom’

Things are looking pretty somber for Dwayne Johnson and ex-wife cum business partner Dani Garcia’s latest ownership venture.  When the duo reprised the XFL for its third run in 2020, not many expected the losses to pile up this quickly. However, what started out to become a legitimate rival to the National Football League has ultimately pinned its hope on its competitors for any chance of survival and success. 

Forbes reported the XFL incurring losses to the tune of $60 million after their first season. While that certainly rings the bells of concern for former NFL aspirant and WWE legend, The Rock, there is still a fighting chance for the league. One month after the final game of the XFL 2022-23 season, it all somehow rests on the shoulders of the athletes to rescue Johnson from hitting rock bottom.

Only the NFL can save the XFL from its present misery  

Dwayne Johnson, Dani Garcia, and RedBird Capitals, along with some other investors revived the XFL in 2020 after infusing nearly $23.5 million. This included a $15 million purchase number and the rest to clear off the league’s pending debt obligations. However, three years later, the league’s losses have amounted to nearly four times. Although this is only a chink in the armor of The Rock’s $800 million net worth, some think that the Hollywood megastar may wash his hands off this bad investment. However, there is one thing that can still save the XFL.

Two-time Emmy-winning Barstool Sports journalist Jeff D. Howe thinks that the athletes can change the shape of the league. Especially since many XFL athletes received their invitation to participate in NFL camps this offseason. And some have even signed new deals with the top pro league.

“Easy to clown the XFL, but I think there’s a fairly clear path to success and that’s by having a few breakouts from this first season in the NFL. Nearly 100 guys on rosters for camps. If a few catch on, I could see the NFL using it as a serious pipeline. But, obviously a huge IF,” Howe tweeted.

The Rock isn’t giving up hope anytime soon, contrary to expectations. Johnson, a former Miami Hurricanes player, is in the football ownership sphere for the long haul.

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“This is not just an endeavor that’s going to fill up a portfolio and one day we flip it and we’re out. This is legacy. The long game,” The Rock told Forbes’ Jabari Young. The organization is even projecting the losses this year to turn into a $100 million profit year next season. So who are the talents that Johnson is pinning his hopes on?

Dwayne Johnson has to count on the players in the pipeline

Former Dallas Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci was one of the highlighted names this offseason as he compounded Russell Wilson’s worries. The Denver Broncos signed him from the Seattle Sea Dragons in May. And he wasn’t the only Sea Dragon to enter the NFL. Safety Bryce Thompson, DLs Austin Faoliu and Antwuan Jackson, LB Niko Lalos, and OL Barry Wesley have also signed new contracts with the NFL.

The Houston Roughnecks also saw eight of their players enter new NFL phases in their careers. Former Buffalo Bills DL C. J. Brewer’s new deal with the Buccaneers is just one among other lucrative signings.

Surely, the pipeline is in full effect. All Dwayne Johnson has to do is hold on patiently.

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