It has been a hard time for Dwayne Johnson ever since reports about the XFL’s losses have emerged. The Johnson co-owned minor American football league has reportedly suffered losses of $60 million after the end of its first season under the new owners. The 51-year-old wrestler-turned-actor has since then been under the pump. Though it’s not clear whether that left him rattled or not, DJ was absent from an XFL event recently.

In his absence, Johnson’s former wife and current business partner, Dany Garcia, took charge of matters.

Is Dwayne Johnson hurt by the criticism?

Over his lengthy career as a pro-wrestler-turned-actor and entrepreneur, Johnson had to face many setbacks. However, The Great One seldom gets fazed by situations. This time, though, he was seen taking subtle jibes at the naysayers.

After being criticized for the losses, Johnson tweeted in response that most people don’t value the virtue of patience. He said that he’s going to be in there as he plays the “long game in business and XFL is no exception”. Johnson was also seen defending the league after a journalist quoted another reporter and alleged that the XFL and ESPN don’t have a proper deal in place. According to reports, ESPN pays the XFL $20 million annually as part of their deal.

Despite being so protective about it, he remained absent from the XFL HBCU Showcase on June 17 at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. Just days before, Johnson and other concerned members of the league sat for a seven-hour long meeting to decide the roadmap for the future.

While the league has been a blessing for over 20 players who signed with NFL teams, it has also witnessed layoffs. But the owners have announced a second season, the first for the league. After getting launched in 2001, the XFL was able to have only two seasons under its former owner, wrestling impresario Vince McMahon.

In August 2020, Johnson, Garcia and private investment firm RedBird Capital Partners joined forces to buy the league from the 51-year-old’s former boss. They paid McMahon $15 million and an extra $8.5 million to settle previous debt to acquire the XFL. Johnson recently revealed how he plans to keep the league afloat.

Dwayne Johnson discloses the one thing that’ll keep the XFL running

The Rock recently sat with Forbes’ Jabari Young for a chat about the XFL. He shared what he feels will keep the league relevant. When Young asked him how does he plan to make the XFL reach season two, three and beyond, Johnson said he’s going to focus on storytelling.

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“For me, the superpower is storytelling,” he said. Johnson said that the XFL athletes matter. He acknowledged that they aren’t as financially blessed as their NFL counterparts, but stated: “And even though they may not be big stars, they may not be making 50 million dollars, they matter.”

XFL fans would certainly hope that Johnson is able to deliver and keep the league going. But for now, you tell us your takeaway from Johnson’s absence from the XFL combine. Share your thoughts in the comments.

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