The dynamic between The Rock and Vince McMahon during the Attitude Era was marked by considerable ups and downs; however, Dwayne Johnson revealed that their behind-the-scenes relationship was quite advantageous.
In a discussion on the “PBD Podcast,” Johnson reflected on balancing his Hollywood career with fatherhood and elaborated on his connection with McMahon. He noted that their strong bond stemmed from his unwavering commitment to hard work and success in wrestling, which McMahon greatly valued from the beginning.
Johnson described their relationship as thriving due to mutual respect and dedication, saying, “My connection with Vince was excellent because it centered around my willingness to earn every dollar. It was about the effort I was ready to invest and my profound respect for the world of pro wrestling. That respect is crucial to him; it’s his life and his passion.
Having grown up in this business, I transformed into The Rock, and opportunities began to arise. When he asked me what was next, I expressed my ambition to raise this brass ring to unprecedented heights. He was open to exploring that journey with me.”
Additionally, The Rock recounted his experience negotiating a new contract with McMahon. Initially, he requested $2 million after discovering that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin earned $1 million as the highest-paid wrestler.
However, after taking time to understand the business’s financial aspects, he adjusted his request to $1.5 million, aligning with McMahon’s expectations before finalizing the new deal.