DWAYNE Johnson had just $7 to his name when he was cut by the Canadian Football League.

Now the WWE legend and A-list actor is on track to become a billionaire after being appointed to TKO’s board of directors.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has joined the TKO board of directorsCredit: Getty

The former college football star also owns a stake in the UFL Credit: Getty

Johnson has his own successful tequilia brand Credit: Teremana Tequila

The wrestling icon made his fortune after finding fame in WWE Credit: Getty
Johnson, 51, has an estimated net worth of $800million and his business empire is poised to expand rapidly thanks to a new wide-ranging deal with WWE.

The Hollywood megastar has been given full control over ‘The Rock’ stage name and he has been given a stock option worth $30million with TKO, the new parent company of WWE and UFC.

Johnson is also considering a return to wrestling for the first time since 2016 – potentially against WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns – which would earn him another mega payday.

It was revealed in a public filing that Johnson received $491,000 in royalty payments from WWE in 2023.

“I’m excited and I’m always looking to grow. I like to say I’m a builder of things,” Johnson told CNBC about his new role on the TKO board.

“Everything I do do, there is a deeper meaning to it. Joining this board was unique and different and special.

“I’m sitting on the board that my grandfather and my dad helped build and I’m also help building a company and growing it globally with a guy who I love and admire [Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel].”

After failing to make it in American football following a brief spell at the CFL, Johnson followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to become a wrestler.

He was paid just $40 per match when he started out.

On a good night, Johnson made up to $80 by signing photos for fans.

Johnson quickly rose up the wrestling ranks and his career turned around after adopting The Rock nickname, soon emerging as one of the biggest stars in WWE.

The Rock leveraged his fame and fortune to become an actor and he became one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood with blockbusters such as Moana, two Jumanji films and multiple entries in the Fast & Furious franchise.

Such is his popularity that Johnson still commands around $20million per movie, making him one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood as well.

Johnson has since moved into business, including an ownership stake in the United Football League, which was formed following a merger between the XFL and USFL.

He also has his TV and film studio Seven Bucks Productions, which produced action movie Black Adam, NBC sitcom Young Rock and numerous other projects such as Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, Hobbs & Shaw and Baywatch.

The company’s movies have grossed over $4.6billion at the box office.

The name Seven Bucks Productions pays homage to the amount of money Johnson had after he was cut by the CFL.

Johnson has a stake in Zoa Energy Credit: Instagram/the rock

Johnson even has a stake in an ice cream company Credit: Salt & Straw

Johnson has his own apparel line with Under Armour called Project Rock, which has deals with the UFC and XFL.

In addition, he has investments in multiple award-winning tequila brand Teremana, energy drink company Zoa Energy, investing app Acorns and Portland-based ice cream company Salt & Straw.

Johnson has an immense public profile, with almost 400 million followers on Instagram.

It has not all been plain sailing for Johnson – Black Adam was knocked by critics and Young Rock was canceled after three seasons.

The XFL also lost $60million in 2023 but it is hoped that the establishment of the UFL will lead to a more profitable spring-season football league.

Nonetheless, The Rock has come a long, long way since having $7 in his pocket and wrestling for $40 a night.

And he shows no sign of stopping any time soon, even refusing to rule out a run for the US presidency.

“Before I got into the world of entertainment and Hollywood, and before I even got to the big bright lights of WWE, I was wrestling in flea markets and wrestling in carnivals,” he told Forbes.

“And I was wrestling in used car dealerships for 40 bucks a match throughout Tennessee.

“When you start your career like that – struggling, hustling, scratching, clawing for 40 bucks a match – you come into any venture with a greater appreciation.

“But also I think a greater willingness to rip yourself open, rip the face off of something and really go for it.”