Sports

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson says he's buying XFL out of bankruptcy

Former wrestling star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says he has acquired the XFL for a reported $15 million US. The 48-year-old actor and ex-CFL defensive lineman made the announcement on Twitter.

Former WWE superstar spent 2 months with CFL's Stampeders in 1995

Dwayne Johnson said he has acquired the XFL. The 48-year-old actor made the announcement on Twitter. Reportedly the price is $15 million. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/Associated Press/File)

Former wrestling star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says he has acquired the XFL.

The 48-year-old actor made the announcement on Twitter. Reportedly the price is $15 million US.

The XFL had eight franchises and played five games out of a planned 10-game schedule before cancelling the remainder of its season in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The league suspended operations and laid off all of its employees on April 10 and filed for bankruptcy protection on April 13.

Since ending his wrestling career, Johnson has become a movie star, including in the "Fast & Furious" and "Jumanji" franchises.

Johnson, who hails from Hayward, Calif., was a defensive tackle for the University of Miami from 1991 to 1994, winning a national title his first year. He spent two months with the Calgary Stampeders in 1995.

Spring football is a difficult challenge, as the Alliance of American Football found out in 2019, not lasting a full season, either.

A previous version of the XFL also played one season in 2001.

With files from CBC Sports

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Get up to speed on what's happening in sports. Delivered weekdays.

...

The next issue of The Buzzer will soon be in your inbox.

Discover all CBC newsletters in the Subscription Centre.opens new window

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service apply.