Dwayne The Rock Johnson has inflicted a heavy upset on the US Army after a recent business deal between his UFL (United Football League) and the country’s troopers came out hollow.
Johnson left no stone unturned to make his latest project, the UFL (formerly XFL) a grand success. While the league aims to draw a lump sum of $100 million as revenue during its first season, it has yet to hit its goals. But The Rock, the guardian angel from the league, found a way out. Navigating his mammoth star power in the right direction, the Brahma Bull convinced the US national troop to invest handsomely in the hope of soliciting enrollment. However, after the initial lull, the Army calculated their hefty loss and demanded a refund.
Taking up new projects and honing them to chisel out the best is an easy-peasy deal for a business mastermind like Dwayne Johnson. The American entrepreneur revived a declining XFL league with a whopping $15 million alongside his fellow investors in 2020. In 2023, the league reached new heights with Johnson’s visionary effort of bringing the USFL and XFL under one umbrella. Now, in the pursuit of sealing more financial security for the league, the Hollywood star penned an $11 million deal with the army that promised branding via sporting jerseys in the UFL games and social media marketing from Johnson’s side.
However, things didn’t go as planned. The US Army had initially deemed Johnson, with over 400 million social media followers, a credible source of reaching more people who can boost their employment numbers. But reality suggested that no such benefits were imparted in their favor. Zero recruits have come as a result of the partnership so far. Thanks to Johnson’s lackluster effort. The WWE star only made two social media posts of the five they had agreed upon.
Therefore, the oldest branch of the US military is looking to rescind the deal and get a refund.
The US Army looks to back out of the deal with Dwayne Johnson and receive a refund
Dwayne Johnson didn’t make enough social media posts in his IG feed promoting the US armies. A senior army official revealed that the deal reminded them of the futile deal between National Guards and NASCAR sponsorship. Even with the UFL deal, most personnel showed resistance as they thought a non-NFL league couldn’t give them the desired edge in terms of greater public reach.
However, ultimately, the chief of Army staff Randy George helped push it through. But now, they are reportedly aiming to get $6 million back. They remain in talks with the league over the settlement fee.
George’s spokesperson noted in a statement, ”In terms of The Rock, it’s unfortunate he was pulled away at a time when we expected him to be present with us to create content for his social media channels. But we’re working with the UFL to rebalance the contract. The Rock remains a good partner to the Army.”
It will be interesting to see what awaits the WWE bigwig next in terms of a looming lawsuit. The WWE Universe will be hoping that The Rock’s rumored return at SummerSlam doesn’t get tarnished because of this development. What’s your take on Dwayne Johnson receiving heat from the US Army? Let us know in the comments.