The Rock became one of the biggest stars WWE has ever produced during the early 2000s, and he was paid incredibly handsomely for his popularity.
The Great One became instantly popular with WWE fans for his charismatic persona and incredibly funny promos on the microphone in the late 1990s.
The star has sporadically appeared in WWE since leaving the company for Hollywood, wrestling the likes of John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
The Rock earned over $9m for his WWE return in 2024, but he earned far more during the company’s boom period in the Attitude Era.
The Rock earned $15 million in WWE during 2000
The Rock revealed a staggering sum he earned in WWE during 2000, and it all came about due to a cheeky request from The Great One.
The Rock asked for double ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s one million dollar a year guarantee, but it was turned down by Vince McMahon.
McMahon gave The Rock what the one million Austin was earning, but through royalties and big-money matches, The Rock achieved far more.
“We had a great conversation and he said, ‘How much do you think you’re going to make this year?’ ‘My guarantee is a million. I’ve been averaging about 50% over my guarantee. So, maybe 1.5?’, The Rock told PBD podcast.
“He said, ‘Now that you’ve taken yourself through that and understand the business, you’re going to make $15 million,’” continued The Great One.
“He did the maths and could see where it goes. ‘You’ll make $15 million.’ By the time we had 1999-2000, wrestling had a boom period.”
The Rock appeared in the WrestleMania main event in 2000, against The Big Show, Triple H, and Mick Foley.
He also won the WWE Championship against Triple H at Backlash 2000, and wrestled The Game several times during their legendary feud.
It appears the Attitude Era run was incredibly lucrative for The Rock, who would leave the company for Hollywood in 2003.
Why hasn’t The Rock appeared in WWE since John Cena’s heel turn?
The Rock played a pivotal part in Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber, seemingly convincing the 17-time champion to attack Rhodes.
However, The Great One has not appeared in WWE since, much to the annoyance of fans waiting to see the conclusion of the story.
The Rock has explained his decision to stay away from WWE, telling Pat McAfee why he didn’t appear at WrestleMania 41.
“I called John and spoke to him,” The Rock said. “I called Cody and I said, I think The Final Boss’s work is done.
He continued: “We just pulled off the greatest angle in the history of pro wrestling — other than Hulk Hogan turning heel. I said, this is amazing. We have six weeks. Now, let’s build and you guys crush it.
“I’ll be right there with you and I’m always here if you need me, but I think it’s best for The Final Boss not to be involved in that finish.”
The Rock has appeared in WWE sporadically since 2024, making appearances at WrestleMania 40, Bad Blood, and WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix.
With his film schedule growing by the day, it’s unlikely The Rock will return to the company anytime soon.