It figured Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s time in the CFL would pay off one day.
The actor, mogul, former WWE star, and football player was once a Calgary Stampeder for a couple of months. It didn’t work out too well and as the well-known story goes Johnson had seven bucks to his name after being cut.
@calstampeders $7 bucks in my pocket when Wally released me. Defining low point, but motivated me to do more. #Grateful #Grind #UncleWally
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 25, 2014
Fast forward to 2021 and on Wednesday, it was announced the CFL and third-time fledgling XFL are discussing a business arrangement for the 2022 season.
A statement from @RandyAmbrosie regarding alignment opportunities with @XFL2022: pic.twitter.com/bzdevpkGsk
— CFL (@CFL) March 10, 2021
XFL chairwoman/owner Dany Garcia, Johnson’s business partner, weighed in, too.
“Since we first acquired the XFL, we have focused on identifying partners who share our vision and values on and off the field,” Garcia said. “A vision filled with opportunity, innovation and the highest level of entertainment value for the benefit of our athletes, fans and communities. The CFL has expressed that similar sentiment and jointly we recognize a great opportunity to build exciting innovative football experiences that make the most of each league’s unique strengths.”
Both leagues saw their 2020 seasons wrecked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CFL canceled its entire campaign while the XFL, run by Vince McMahon, got through five weeks before the WWE boss filed for bankruptcy and shut things down due to the pandemic.