Why did The Rock back down from his $2 million negotiation with Vince McMahon? Exploring the revelation

It's no secret that The Rock and Vince McMahon have a close relationship and got along for the majority of the time they worked together. From the looks of it, their business mindset is what truly united them together, but it was also why Dwayne Johnson backed down from a huge offer.

The Rock began his WWE career in 1996 and became one of the biggest stars in history. Although his relationship with Vince McMahon, and the rest of the family, on-screen were not the best, that wasn't the case behind the scenes. The Final Boss got along with the former chairman so well that he turned down a $2 million offer.

While speaking with Patrick Bet David at the PBD Podcast, The Rock was asked about his relationship and thoughts about Vince McMahon. Dwayne shared a story where he stated that his initial contract with WWE was a five-year deal with $150,000 per year. However, three years into the deal just as he was rising in the roster, Vince decided to renegotiate his contract.

During their meeting, Dwayne asked who was the highest-paid person on the roster at the time, to which McMahon answered Stone Cold Steve Austin who had a $1 million guarantee, to which Johnson replied that he wanted $2 million.

Instead of giving the $2 million, Vince made The Rock travel with WWE Executives so the superstar would know the ins and outs of the business. Two weeks in, Dwayne learned overhead costs, venue prices, and more. After those weeks, Dwayne returned to Vince, thanked him for showing him around, and finally agreed to a $1 million guarantee.

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What happened to Vince McMahon and The Rock's relationship after the former left WWE to pursue acting?

In 2004, The Brahma Bull left the Stamford-based promotion to pursue a career in Hollywood. As it turns out, this move caused some issues between him and the former Chairman.

In a July 2023 episode of GAW TV, Tommy Dreamer shared that The Final Boss and McMahon were not talking after the former left the company as WWE took ownership of "The Rock" and the superstar had to use his real name. Around 2005-2006, both men rekindled their relationship after having a conversation at the WrestleMania 21 party.

It's definitely interesting to see the dynamics between Dwayne Johnson and Vince McMahon's relationship, especially in the way they do business with each other.