When Dwayne Johnson teamed up with ex-wife Garcia to revive the stumbling XFL

Football and entertainment enthusiasts might vividly remember the time when the XFL, a league with significant potential, faced an untimely downfall. But, like a twist in a Hollywood film, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson emerged as its savior.

A league on the brink and a timely intervention

The XFL, despite its promising inception, grappled with bankruptcy and a looming auction. Its fate seemed sealed. Enter Dwayne Johnson, the charismatic former wrestler turned global superstar, with RedBird Capital and his ex-wife, business tycoon Dany Garcia. This dynamic trio took the majority stake, infusing the league with hope and a whopping $15 million.

Dwayne's dedication wasn't just about business; it was personal. "With pride and gratitude for all that I've built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football," Johnson had passionately remarked.

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Vince McMahon's legacy and the XFL's roller coaster journey

Before Johnson's intervention, the XFL was intrinsically tied with another WWE titan, Vince McMahon. McMahon's trysts with the league were fraught with challenges, including a partnership in 2001 that barely lasted a season. An attempted revival in 2020, under the banner of his Alpha Entertainment, met an unfortunate end amidst the coronavirus pandemic. After just five weeks, the league had to suspend operations and later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

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Yet, the resolute spirit of the XFL resonated with Johnson and Garcia. "For Dwayne, Gerry and myself, this property represents an incredible opportunity," Garcia had conveyed. A sentiment echoed by Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital who lauded Johnson and Garcia's track record in building dynamic businesses.

The future that could have been and the legacy that remains

While the future of XFL 3.0 was uncertain, one thing was clear: with Dwayne Johnson's star power, combined with his experience as an executive producer for high-profile shows and movies, the XFL had the best chance at long-term success.

Today, as we reminisce, it's fascinating to consider the roller coaster journey of the XFL, the fall, and its subsequent rise, largely owed to the passion and commitment of figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.