the rock

The Rock is one of the most successful professional wrestlers of all time, but in 2004 he hung up the boots and walked away from the business.

The former WWE Champion went on to focus on his acting career, and he also became one of the most successful actors in Hollywood.

During a Q&A session on his Instagram account The Rock talked about why he decided to retire in 2004, and he noted that his contract had expired and he delivered on his agreement with Vince McMahon.

“I retired in from the WWE in 2004 at the age of 32. And at that time, well here’s the why. Why I retired was two reasons. 1) My contract had expired and 2) Which is the most important thing, an agreement that I have with anybody in the world. Any company, any individual, it’s always important to me – it means everything to me – to shake that person’s hand and look them in the eye.”

“In 2004 when my contract expired, I had delivered on my agreement with the WWE and with my long-time mentor and very, very good friend Vince McMahon. We shook hands, that’s the way we are.”

The Great One also noted that he wanted to retire while he was on top so that he could pursue his acting career.

Rock of course later returned for a series of matched with John Cena, which culminated with Cena beating him at WrestleMania 29. According to The Rock he’s at peace knowing that was his last match, but he will never say never regarding an in-ring return.

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The risk was two fold/ I retired on top as pro wrestling’s #1 draw. And coming from the world of wrestling, the odds were stacked against me of having a Hollywood career that had any kind of long term, substantial global influence and value. After a bewildering 7 year career as a wrestler, I kept my hand shake bond – finished out my contractual obligations and quietly retired. But I knew in heart and in my gut what my WHY was. Once we identify OUR WHY, then our actions have powerful purpose. Almost 10yrs later in 2012, I returned to the industry that’s in my blood. I returned to the @wwe to give back. To bring value and impact the bottom line. Proud to say when I returned we, as a team – set all time box office and PPV records that will never be broken. And in 2014, I wrestled my very last match at WrestleMania in New York at a sold out Met Life Stadium. My wrestling career ended the only way I was willing — flat on my back, getting beat 1, 2, 3, looking up at the stars and being grateful for my blessings. I went out the right way. The respectful way. I retired from wrestling in 2013. Grateful to the bone. And on my shield🛡

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H/T Wrestling Inc.

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